#Hype for next time though my boy looks done

[hupla222]

Episode 65: Some Thoughts

Oh boy was I excited for this one. And it managed to mostly meet expectations. Let's talk about that. Don't worry, this won't be nearly as long as last time (sorry about the repost I just wanted to collect my thoughts more). As always, ley me know what you think!

The first thing to note is Amethio and Liko's plot. It...kinda lacked for me. I mean, they did talk but not as much as I hoped. Like they barely learned anything new about each other. But I guess that's to be expected. Can't have him go through his boring, predictable reformation in one day. They're already starting to understand each other it seems. Also, get wrecked Amethio. Get fired you stupid punk. I don't really care. Get out of the way so the more interesting characters can fight the RVT. Sorry not sorry if that's harsh. Amethio just bores me to tears. I still can't name even three personality traits for this dude.

As for the other two, their fight was as I expected it to be. It wasn't the focus of the episode (Amethio being a nothing burger was) so I can forgive it for mostly happening off screen. And who really wants to watch Roy and Dot get stomped by these two for an extended period of time. Was funny to see them dip after Grusha showed up. Sidian was like, I'm leaving, and then he did and he didn't look back either lol. I guess he knew she'd follow. Very cute side note, she was totally willing to stay and fight them all with Sidian but the second he left she just gave up and left too. And to me it seems that Sidian remains one of the kinder members. He didn't seem to want to hurt the children here, only stall them. Also his Garganacl is shown to know Recover here which fits his character nicely. It was also very nice to see that the chaos duo aren't as dumb as we thought. They aren't buying this whole betrayal thing. Seems like they really do care about Amethio or they just dislike Spinel that much. Either way its very clear that they aren't the real threats in the Explorers. They're just dumb muscle who's kept out of the loop. And once they know that loop who knows what they'll do. They also seem to be genuinely surprised that Amethio was let off so it seems unlikely that they have it out for him too.

This new preview got me hype. Looks like things are really going down here and maybe, just maybe, Sidian and Coral will be able to finish a battle for once. Probably a loss for them but I'll take it. It also appears like there's that Terastal glow behind Liko so maybe they're finally gonna Terastalize as well. In addition, my boy looks mad as hell in the preview. Like:

Who hurt him? Is he that much of a sore loser or is he mad about what happened to Amethio? Only time will tell and I'm so excited to know. Poor boy looks like he's losing it.

[txrully]

WATASHI NO AIDORU SAMA!

summary: IN WHICH BLLK BOYS DATE AN IDOL!

characters: isagi yoichi, bachira meguru, itoshi rin, nagi seishiro, mikage reo, chigiri hyoma, hiori yo, shidou ryusei, itoshi sae, michael kaiser, alexis ness.

warning: fem! reader implied

isagi yoichi

isagi is in awe of you. your determination, charm, and the way you captivate an audience—he’s lowkey your #1 fan. he’s also the boyfriend who overthinks everything. is he doing enough? are you eating properly? is his goodnight text too basic? but when you’re overwhelmed by the pressures of being an idol, he’s the one who brings you back down to earth with his soft smiles and reassuring words.

when he attends your concerts, he tries to keep a low profile, but the way he beams when you glance at him gives him away every time.

"yoichi, they caught you smiling like a lovesick puppy in the crowd."

"but you looked so cool up there! how could I not?!"

"next time, at least wear sunglasses."

"then how will you see me cheering for you?"

bachira meguru

bachira lives for the drama of dating you. the glitz and glam? he loves it. sneaking into your dressing room mid-rehearsal? absolutely. he thrives on making you laugh, especially when the idol world feels too suffocating. he even suggests the most ridiculous disguises when you want to go out, like matching frog hats or dressing up as old people.

he’s also not shy about flaunting your relationship, sending chaotic selfies to your fan club and saying, “aren’t we cute?” yeah, he’s banned from your socials now.

"bachira, stop posting pictures of us!"

"what? they love me. look, 10k likes already!"

"i will revoke your access to my phone."

"awwww :("

itoshi rin

rin doesn’t care about fame, but oh boy, he cares about you. the media knows him as the stoic, no-nonsense soccer prodigy, but behind closed doors, he’s your biggest supporter. he secretly streams your performances and even sets your songs as his alarm (though he’ll deny it if you ever find out). when you’re busy with schedules, rin shows his love in quiet ways—making sure you eat, sending random texts like, “don’t overwork yourself. i mean it.”

but paparazzi catching him sneaking into your concerts? yeah, that’s not part of his plan.

"you know they saw you, right?"

"tch. who cares?"

"rin, they’re calling you my biggest fanboy on twitter."

"...well, they’re not wrong."

nagi seishiro

nagi finds your idol schedule exhausting just hearing about it. but he loves you, so he makes the effort. he’s the type to show up to your rehearsals half-asleep, holding your favorite snacks. when you’re performing, though, he’s laser-focused, recording every moment because “you look cool up there.”

he also doesn’t get jealous often, but when a fanboy gets too enthusiastic, he’ll casually sling an arm around your shoulder and deadpan, “she’s taken.”

"sei, were you napping backstage?"

"mm. comfy couch."

"you’re unbelievable."

"but i got your favorite chips."

"...okay, forgiven."

mikage reo

reo is the ultimate boyfriend-slash-manager. need help with your contract? done. overwhelmed with schedules? he’s already booked a spa day for you. he’s your rock in the chaotic idol world, always reminding you that it’s okay to take a break.

he also spoils you shamelessly—designer dresses for red carpets, private dinners after concerts, and the fanciest bouquets delivered to your dressing room.

"reo, you didn’t have to buy out the whole bakery just because i said i liked their croissants."

"but you deserve the best."

"...i’m keeping the chocolate ones."

"all yours, my love."

chigiri hyoma

chigiri gets it. as someone constantly in the spotlight himself, he knows how draining it can be. he’s always there to hype you up, whether it’s helping you perfect a dance move or rehearsing lines for interviews. when you feel insecure, he’s the first to remind you of how talented and beautiful you are.

his favorite moments are when it’s just the two of you—no cameras, no fans, just quiet walks or lazy afternoons.

"hyo, do you think i’m doing okay?"

"you’re doing amazing. and even if the whole world doesn’t see it, i do."

"you’re too sweet."

"only for you."

hiori yo

hiori loves your passion for performing, but he worries about how much it takes out of you. he’s the type to leave little notes in your bag—"you’ve got this!" or "don’t forget to eat!"—and surprise you with coffee during long rehearsals.

he doesn’t love the spotlight, but for you? he’ll put up with it, even if it means sitting front-row at your concerts surrounded by screaming fans.

"yo, are you okay? you looked uncomfortable out there."

"yeah, i’m fine. just not used to being around so many people."

"next time, i’ll get you noise-canceling headphones."

"i’ll wear them if they have your voice recorded on loop."

shidou ryusei

shidou lives for the chaos of your idol life. paparazzi? fans? scandals? bring it on. he thrives on being the center of attention, especially when it involves you. he’s the boyfriend who gets caught sneaking onto stage mid-performance just to blow you a kiss.

he’s also fiercely protective, ready to throw hands with anyone who disrespects you. but when it’s just the two of you, he’s surprisingly soft, reminding you why you fell for him in the first place.

"ryu, you can’t just interrupt my concerts!"

"what? they loved it. besides, i missed you."

"you saw me five minutes ago!"

"five minutes too long."

itoshi sae

sae isn’t the best at expressing his feelings, but his actions speak volumes. he doesn’t show up to your events often, but when he does, it’s with flowers in hand and a rare smile just for you. he admires your dedication but worries you’re pushing yourself too hard.

he’s also your harshest yet most supportive critic, always giving honest feedback because he wants you to be your best.

"sae, was my performance okay?"

"it was good. but you can do better."

"...you could’ve just said you’re proud of me."

"i am. but you already knew that."

michael kaiser

kaiser adores the spotlight, and dating you? it only adds to his charm. he loves flaunting your relationship, whether it’s through matching outfits or casually mentioning you in interviews. he’s cocky, but his support is unwavering, always hyping you up like your personal cheerleader.

he’s also lowkey competitive, challenging you to see who can trend on social media first after a big event. spoiler: you always win.

"kaiser, stop refreshing twitter."

"i need to know if we’re trending."

"you’re ridiculous."

"ridiculously in love with you."

alexis ness

ness is the sweetest, most wholesome boyfriend. he’s constantly in awe of your talent and works hard to make you feel appreciated, from writing you letters to learning your favorite songs on the piano. he’s also your biggest fan, always gushing about you to anyone who’ll listen.

he gets flustered when fans recognize him as “your boyfriend” but secretly loves it.

"ness, are you blushing?"

"n-no! i just—your fans are so nice."

"you’re adorable."

"not as adorable as you."

© txrully :: 2024

do not copy, translate or plagiarize my works.

[imaginehappyhavoc]

Heya! Could i ask for some headcanons of the thh boys with an ultimate crafter reader that likes making little trinkets for them? -🔥

A/N: Naww Crow!Reader!! (◠‿◠✿)

Pairing: thh boys x Reader

Genre: Fluff!

Warnings: N/A

Makoto Naegi:

♡ Oh, this makes him SO HAPPY.

♡ He’s the type to love absolutely anything homemade. Art, cooking, you name it.

♡ It’s honestly comedic how fast his face lights up when you say “I made something for you.”

♡ Just immediately the brightest smile he can manage, and all but running to see what it is this time.

♡ Sometimes he’ll even make you things in return! Though, it normally doesn’t come out as good as he’d like. His damned luck cycle gets in the way.

♡ He keeps everything you make him, no matter how much space it takes up.

Byakuya Togami (platonic):

♡ No one’s… ever done that for him before.

♡ He was raised to recognize an item’s worth by its price tag. Mainly because no one in his life actually cared enough to take time out of their day and make something for him.

♡ He’s honestly flabbergasted every time you do this tbh.

♡ He’ll just hold whatever you made in his hands, staring at it for a just a bit too long. It’s the only time you’ll ever see him speechless.

♡ You tell him it’s okay if he doesn’t want to keep it. He says he won’t.

♡ He does.

Yasuhiro Hagakure:

♡ Did you mean: Ultimate Hype Man?

♡ He’ll get a gift from you and he’s bolting to the common room of the dorms to show it off to everyone.

♡ Always something along the lines of “look at what my SUPER amazing, SUPER talented partner MADE for me!”

♡ He loves anything you have to give him, obviously, but especially if he doesn’t know what the fuck it is.

♡ The things he treasures most in the world are useless lil trinkets that look funky and cool. So if you like metalworking, he might marry you on the spot.

Leon Kuwata:

♡ He loves it so much he loves you so much and no he is totally not about to cry shut up-

♡ Leon is an unexpectedly emotional guy. He reacts to everything, especially positive things, with so much enthusiasm.

♡ So when you come up to him and sheepishly give him a small trinket you made for him, his “cool guy” front just melts.

♡ He’ll like. Hop. Just bounce in place like a really excited rabbit, because that’s basically what he is in this moment.

♡ He keeps it on him wherever he goes. Either he’ll fashion it into an add on for his chain necklace, or he’ll make use of one of his many pockets.

♡ Anytime someone asks about you, he’ll smile so wide and take it as an invitation to show them everything you’ve ever made for him.

Chihiro Fujisaki:

♡ Hugs. Just the tightest, most love-packed hugs you’ve ever experienced in your life.

♡ They try really hard not to cry, they really do, but they can’t help it. It just means so much to them that you would go out of your way to do that!

♡ They’ll ask you to teach them how to make stuff like what you make, so that they can return the favor.

♡ Whether you agree or not, Chihiro’s riding the high for the rest of the week.

♡ They go to class the next day and wait so impatiently for someone to ask about the new charm on their school bag so they have an excuse to ramble about you.

♡ Another person who will keep your trinkets with them all the time.

Mondo Owada:

♡ What a coincidence! He loves making things for you, too!

♡ Only difference is that, while you love to make small trinkets, Mondo likes to make larger, wooden trinkets.

♡ It’s a match made in heaven, honestly. Biweekly gift exchanges.

♡ When you give your gifts to him, it’s kinda like watching a big dog trying to play with a much smaller animal.

♡ He’s so excited, and he knows he has to be gentle, but it’s so hard for him to contain himself! He’ll hold it so gingerly so as not to break it, but every other part of his body’s wiggling because of how happy he is.

♡ He admires your craftsmanship so much, and he loves being able to see all your little design quirks in the things you make for him.

Kiyotaka Ishimaru:

♡ He will straight up cry, and he does not care how many people look at him weird because of it.

♡ It was rare that Taka received gifts at all, never mind gifts that were so personal!

♡ That was, until he met you.

♡ Any gift that you make for him by hand will be treasured so dearly, but especially things that are related to his interests.

♡ You once made him a keychain in the form of a teeny tiny Kendo sword. He kissed you for a solid ten minutes because he was so deeply moved by your affection for him.

♡ He insists on repaying you in some way for everything you make him, though he doesn’t quite know how.

♡ He settles on: anything you need, you get.

Hifumi Yamada (platonic):

♡ The crowd goes WILD.

♡ Of all people, Hifumi can appreciate handmade gifts. He’s given so many of them before, after all.

♡ He loves your trinkets so much that he actually— and stay with me here cause this is a doozy— takes down his figurines and puts your crafts up instead.

♡ Your classmates are convinced you just triggered The End Times because of that but whatever.

♡ He shows them off just as proudly, too.

♡ Like: “Hey, Yamada, what’s all that on your bookshelf?” “I’m SO glad you asked!” *pulls up a 300 page PowerPoint essay.

♡ In return, you get any art you want. Free of charge. You lucky dog.

[hobiebrownismygod]

Prom Date 👠

42!Miles x Fem!Reader

haven’t written in a while so I hope you guys like this!!

Masterlist

___________________________________________

You longingly stared across the room at the dancing couples on the other side of the gym, laughter mixing with the soft beats of slow music. Teenagers awkwardly looking into each others’ eyes, smiling and moving along to the rhythm of the slightly muffled beat while the underpaid DJ tried his best to hype up the music.

You sighed, looking down at your scuffed heels, pressed against the bottom of the bleacher bench as you rested your chin in your palms, trying your best to blink back tears. Your fingers fiddled with the corsage your date had given you an hour earlier. What a crappy evening.

And then, you felt the bench you were sitting on creak slightly. You glanced over to the side to see a boy sitting next to you, wearing a deep purple suit with his braids done neatly, a solemn expression on his face.

“You got ditched too, hmm?” He asked quietly, looking straight ahead and not even making eye contact with you.

You stared at him for a moment before you nodded gently. “Yeah. Yeah, I did.” You admitted, looking back sadly. “So much for the best night of our lives, huh?”

He scoffed. “Whoever told you prom was supposed to be the best night of your life was lying to your face.” He said a little sharply. When you fell silent, his expression softened and he turned his gaze towards you, the corner of his mouth slightly upturned. “But…that doesn’t mean it has to be the worst night either, you know what I mean?”

“Not really.” You replied with a half-smile, turning your body to the side slightly to face him. “Sorry, what was your name again?”

“Miles” he said, shaking his head. “We’re in the same physics class?”

Your eyes widened and you swallowed back a lump of embarrassment in your throat. “Sorry. I didn’t recognize you.” You said quickly.

“Nah, it’s alright. I don’t blame you.” He said quietly, glancing back towards the dancing couples, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I like your dress by the way” he said softly.

You looked down at your dark red prom dress, a wide smile covering your face. “Thank you.” You said with a laugh. “I like your suit. It suits you”

He audibly groaned and you chuckled quietly. “That’s horrible” he smiled, shaking his head before looking at you again. “I’m guessing you were planning on just sitting here till the night was over?” He asked curiously.

“Well, what else am I supposed to do? My date’s over there, dancing with some other girl…” your expression fell.

“Another thing we share in common” he said with a frown.

You smiled sadly, looking back down at your hands, clasped tightly in your lap. “Oh well. There’s always next year.”

He nodded. “I guess. I doubt I’ll come next year though.”

“oh?” You asked surprisedly. “Why’s that?”

“waste of time.” He said solemnly. “Waste of money too. I can’t believe I got her flowers just for her to ditch me.” He scoffed under his breath.

You looked down at the rose corsage around your wrist and slowly untied it. You held it out towards him with a slight smile. He blinked. “What’re you doing?”

“I don’t have flowers, but I do have this. Take it. Now you won’t have wasted anything.”

He stared at you a moment longer before taking the corsage in his hands, inspecting it. “Thank you.” He said softly. You laughed at his expression, shaking your head. “What? No one ever given you flowers before?”

“Not for a good reason.” He said with a slight smile. His expression suddenly turned more rigid as he stared at you. “Would you, uh-would you like to dance?” He asked quickly, cheeks flushing darker.

“Dance?”

“Yeah. Only if you want to of course.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, still holding the corsage in his hand.

You smiled at him, gently taking his wrist and pulling him up along with you. “How could I say no?” He smiled at you and handed the corsage back, slowly tightening it around your wrist before taking your hand.

“Maybe this night won’t suck after all?” He teased as he walked you down the bleachers, dark eyes glued to yours.

“A girl can hope.”

___________________________________________

Tags: @therealloopylupin2099 @l0starl @daydreaming-en-pointe @itsparis-07 @vileviale @puff-hugs @d0uble-tr0ubl3 @choccymilkdrinker @breadglasses @sunasslut69 @a-cinnamonbunny @ask-1610-miles @axels-garden @miniaturesuitfox @spotconlon55 @s6onder

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[lvndrfucks]

Hi! I love your wallows fics sm!! I have a request for Cole and can you do one where the girl is a rockstar of her own band, I’m talking like beabadoobee aesthetic type of girl! Thank you!🤍🪽

˚ ༘ ೀ⋆we go together like the gum on my shoes｡˚🎤𖤐🪽

You first rose to fame after uploading a silly song on the internet. You didn’t think it would go viral overnight, and you certainly didn’t expect to be signed onto a record label because of it. Since then, you’ve made more music and have performed at a few festivals and events. Now, you were planning your first ever tour.

There was a bit of a debacle trying to choose your opening act until you decided to ask the fans. After hours of listening to music, there was one band that really stuck out to you. They were already pretty popular, but you had already become a fan of their music just by listening to one song.

So, you decided to contact them.

It was the first show on tour. You could hardly sleep the night before from excitement and nerves, so getting up early was a little difficult with only four hours of sleep. You still managed to put on a smile, though.

“Good morning,” you greeted the opening act band.

“Morning. Ready for tonight,” Braeden asked with a smile.

“Yeah. It’s your big night,” Dylan added.

You sighed. “I’m a little nervous, but I know that’s normal.”

“You’re gonna do great,” Cole assured.

You grinned at him gratefully. “Have you guys done soundcheck yet?”

“We’re about to go up right now. Are you gonna watch?”

“Yeah. I’m just going to make some coffee first.”

“Oh,” Cole revealed a second coffee cup, “I already made you some.”

Your eyebrows raised in surprise. “Thank you. Is there—“

“Two sugars, three creamers.”

He knew your coffee order.

Off to the side, Braeden and Dylan exchanged knowing glances and left you two for the moment.

You took the coffee from Cole and sipped lightly, also trying to hide the wide set smile growing on your face.

“It’s perfect. Thank you,” you said.

Cole waved his hand. “I mean, I was a barista once.” You chuckled as the two of you walked out of the green room.

Since meeting the members of Wallows, the boys and the rest of the band had been very kind and sweet. You got along with all of them right off the bat. Since they had more experience touring and such, you often went to them for advice or any second thoughts. They were always helpful with their feedback to ensure everything went smoothly.

It was fun watching them perform. They all had that naturally confident stage presence. You always found yourself observing from the side. No matter how many times you heard the same songs being played, you didn’t think it was possible to get sick of them.

During a small break, Cole beckoned you over with a wave. The rest of the guys were busy with their own things as you walked over.

“Have you ever played drums,” he asked.

You shook your head. “I barely know a simple rythmn.”

He suddenly stood up and gestured to his seat. You laughed a bit while sitting down. He handed you his drumsticks. You felt a little bit awkward as you held them. Cole seemed to notice.

“Here.” He adjusted your fingers. Your jaw unconsciously clenched under his touch. “This is just one of the ways to hold them.”

“Thanks.” You had a hard time looking him in the eye.

Cole spent the next few minutes explaining the basics. You nodded along, listening intently. Every time he demonstrated a move, you did the same. It gained the attention of the others as they would glance back at the two of you. They all had the same thought with matching smiles.

“This is a lot to remember,” you chuckled and stood up, handing Cole back his drumsticks.

“Well, we have all of tour to practice,” he replied.

“Who knows, maybe one day I’ll come up and steal your spot,” you teased.

Cole scoffed jokingly. “I’d like to see you try.” You giggled while walking away, unaware of his stare on your lingering figure.

You could hear the chatter of the audience. It was a full house. Everyone was hyped after Wallows set, which made you even more nervous.

What if they didn’t like you? What if they only came for Wallows and left before you could go on stage? What if you didn’t do a good job like you thought you would?

All these questions circled your head. You felt like you were going to explode. There was that tight feeling in your chest and pressure on your head. It felt like you couldn’t breathe.

Someone knocked on the door, making you jump. Cole stuck his head in.

“Hey. We were looking for you. Are you okay?”

“No,” you immediately bursted. “I can’t go out there. What if something goes wrong? What I forget the lyrics? What if my voice cracks? What if—“

“Hey, hey,” Cole shut the door behind him and stood in front of you, “you’re gonna do amazing. All those people out there are here for you. And so are we.” He took your hands in his. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m nervous.” You breathed out a chuckle. “I don’t know why considering I’ve preformed before, but it’s different now because I have expectations to meet and I don’t know how it’s going to go. It could all go horribly wrong and then, my life is over. Maybe I should cancel—“

You gasped as Cole’s lips pressed against yours. You didn’t move. He pulled away after a few seconds. There was a look of disbelief on his face.

“I…I don’t know why I did that,” he admitted. “You were talking so fast and I had to make you stop. Not in like a rude way, but so you wouldn’t freak yourself out more. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to overstep or anything—“

You surprised him and yourself as you lurched forward. Your arms wrapped around his neck while his hands settled on your waist. You could feel your body began to grow hot as the two of you moved in sync.

“Hey, guys— Woah.”

The two of you quickly pulled away and took a step back. Your guitarist looked back and forth between you and Cole.

“Um, we go on in five, so…yeah. I’m gonna go.” He shut the door behind him.

You pursed your lips. Cole scratched the back of his neck, his eyes darting from you to the floor rapidly.

“We should probably go,” he uttered.

You hummed while nodding. He held open the door for you to walk out first.

“Oh, and thanks, by the way,” you paused to face him. “I think you definitely helped calm my nerves.” You started walking away as Cole couldn’t help but grin.

hera speaks!

i’m actually so surprised at the amount of requests i’ve gotten these past few days! i promise i’m working on them, it will just take some time. thank you guys for the patience and support <3

also i loved this request bc i saw beabadoobee on tour and remember thinking that her songs definitely matched wallows vibes lol

[dreamescapeswriting]

Stray Kids Reaction || Their Shy S/O Gets Drunk

⤜Copyright: © DreamEscapesWriting - April 2023

⤜MASTERLIST

I did switch it up for a couple of the boys where the reader WAS shy but isn’t when she’s been drinking! I hope that’s okay!!!

CHAN:

To Chan, you were always adorable but somehow you being drunk and shy all at the same time was even more so. The way you'd retreat into yourself after saying something to him, or getting shy and hiding your face in your hands whenever he would look at you made his heart pound rapidly against his chest. He could hardly believe how cute you were when you would flirt with him only to shyly hide your face in your hands and pretend as though you hadn't been the one to say anything to him.

"You think I'm pretty?" He questioned, chuckling a little to himself as he tucked you into bed, smoothing the sheets out around you before you turned and hid your face in the pillows.

"No." You stuttered out refusing to meet your boyfriend's gaze as he let out a small chuckle at the sight of you, he shook his head a little and ran his hand down your back. Of course, you found Chan pretty but for some reason, you were shyer than usual, for other people it was the opposite when they would drink. The alcohol would give them that added confidence but for you, it seemed to take it away and leave you a stuttering and shy mess.

"Get some sleep cutie, I'll be here in the morning." He whispered, kissing the top of your head as he felt your entire body heat up from the small action and he headed out to sleep on the sofa for the night letting you have some space for yourself.

“Goodnight, I love you,” He said as he headed to the door, glancing back at you as you giggled into the pillow beside you,

“Love you too.” You smiled, relaxing into the sheets and cuddling into them.

MINHO:

As soon as Minho saw how shy you got around him while you were drunk it was over. He was going to tease you relentlessly for the rest of the night, putting his arm around you and dragging you closer to him whenever he had the chance.

"You look adorable tonight, did I tell you that already?" He whispered in your ear as you stared at the boys in front of you, your eyes widened a little as you tried to focus on the food you were supposed to be eating.

"I can't get over how shy you are, you're my girlfriend. You know you don't have to be this shy around me when you're drunk." He ran his hand down your back as he let out a small laugh, you shivered a little and whined out at him.

"Stooopppp," You whined out, moving away from him and bumping into Seungmin who was right next to you in the booth beside you and as soon as you locked eyes you were shuffling back to Minho and cuddling into him.

"There's my girl," He laughed, kissing the top of your head and smirking to himself as you held onto him tighter, shoving your head into the crook of his neck to hide from the boys who began to tease you.

CHANGBIN:

Changbin could hardly believe his ears when he walked into the dorms to hear you singing to yourself whilst giggling at something that Felix was saying to you. Changbin knew you were here tonight but he'd have no idea what he was going to walk in on.

"Cause I, know what you like boy! You're my chemical hype boy" You sang out to the karaoke machine that was in the living room, he leaned against the doorway and smirked to himself. Felix caught a glance of him but said nothing, choosing to let you finish the song off,

"Take him to the sk-y-y-y-y-y! You know, I hype you, boy!" You did a fairy ending and giggling as you jumped up and down on the spot, screaming when you felt someone hold you from behind.

"Who are you and what have you done with my shy little girlfriend?" Changbin chuckled, kissing your cheek as you let out a loud giggle, cuddling into his embrace.

"She ran away for the night, sing with me." You giggled, handing him the microphone you were using before downing some more of your drink both of you joining in to do some singing tog.

HYUNJIN:

"You weren't this shy earlier." Hyunjin chuckled looking as you hid your head in his arm and whined at him about making fun of you. The boys had thrown you a surprise birthday party and after a few drinks, it seemed you'd gotten shyer about everything.

"I'm not making fun of you, it's cute." He teased, squeezing you close to him and moving you away from everyone, the last thing he wanted was for you to be uncomfortable around the boys and him.

"You're cute," You giggled looking up at him before meeting his gaze and hiding in his arm once again while he let out a deep laugh at the sight of you. You were quite shy without alcohol and he'd assumed with a couple of drinks that you would open up more but it appeared he was wrong.

"Shall we go and get some water and sit outside?" He quizzed, running his hand down your back as you shook your head at him you wanted to stay here and enjoy the party that they'd put together for you.

"I'll be okay, just need a second." You whispered, leaning up and quickly kissing him before a smirk grew on his lips.

JISUNG:

Gone was the girl who wouldn't say boo to a goose and standing in front of Jisung was a girl who could talk faster than Changbin could rap and it was a little intimidating at first.

"So I told Seungmin that if he could drink the whole glass in under ten seconds then I would drink whatever drink he could make up and he claims it's really strong but I don't think it's even that strong. It honestly just tastes like juice and it's going down rather well, did you have a good day today?" You took Jisung over to the coffee table where you and Seungmin were playing Uno, you were staying over with them while your landlord worked on your kitchen and Jisung thought it was going to be a nice chill time but he was wrong.

"I did, I was-"

"Oh, and did you remember to eat lunch? Did you finish the song you were struggling with?" Your questions were coming out in rapid fire and Jisung barely had time to answer the first one you'd asked him and he was trying to process the others.

"What did you do to my shy girlfriend?" Jisung whined as you got up and continued to ramble on about something while going into the kitchen to get Jisung something to eat while Seungmin smirked at him.

FELIX:

The whole thing made Felix soft for you, the whole idea of you being shy when you were drunk even though you weren't when you were sober was bewildering to him.

"You look like my boyfriend." You said as Felix got you into the back of Chan's car, laughing a little as he nodded his head at you.

"Yeah?" Felix did your seatbelt up before doing his own and arching an eyebrow at you. It was cute how you didn't notice that he was in fact your boyfriend but he went along with it.

"He's more handsome though, he's got these cute freckles." You giggled shyly before looking at him and squinting your eyes a little as if you were trying to find the difference between Felix in front of you and Felix your boyfriend.

"I count his freckles when he's sleeping because it's cute." You stated proudly before laying your head back on the seat and letting out a small whine.

"I just admitted that to the real Felix...Didn't I?" You closed your eyes as Felix laughed from beside you, leaning down and kissing your cheek softly.

"It's cute baby, don't worry," He chuckled before cuddling you close to him.

SEUNGMIN:

Seungmin absolutely loved making you shyer when you were drunk and it wasn't something that was hard to do either he found it endearing whenever you'd sink into his arms and try and hard from his compliments.

"Cutie, do you want to sleep in my room tonight or I can get you an uber home." He suggested smirking to himself as he watched your feet stomp on the floor a little as you giggled at the nickname he gave to you. It seemed it was his mission tonight to give you every cute nickname he could think of and not to mention giving you more skinship in front of the boys than he usually would.

"Here," You whispered as though you were scared of someone hearing and he nodded pulling you to sit almost on his lap, laying your legs over his lap and smirking as you squealed a little.

"Seungmin," You whined hiding in his neck as he chuckled going back to casual conversation with the guys all the while stroking your back and whispering compliments into your ear.

JEONGIN:

"You really don't want me to come in?" Jeongin laughed as you screamed at him for trying to open the bedroom door. He'd taken you home tonight after you'd called him for a ride home and then you'd asked him to stay with you, only now you were refusing to let him into your bedroom.

"You can't," You sounded so cute when you said it Jeongin could have sworn his heart had lept into his throat and he chuckled to himself laying his head on the door.

"Why?" He questioned, already knowing the answer to it. He'd been in your bedroom before, he knew all about your little FoxI. Ny you had on your bed, as well as the posters of him all over your walls.

"My room is not ready," You pouted, opening the door by just a crack and looking at Jeongin who was smirking at you,

"I've seen it lots of times baby, remember?" You thought about it for a couple of seconds before letting him into the room and whining when the smirk on his lips grew wider. The collection he knew you had, has grown since the last time he came and he loved every part of it.

"You're positively adorable," He chuckled before helping you climb into bed.

tagline: @chiisaiblog @hanasonmi @sw33tnight @taestannie @illicee​ @army24--7​ @acciocriativity​ @scarletemeterio​ @halesandy​ @aerastus​ @lost-leopard-beanie​ @laylasbunbunny​ @critssq​ @lenfilms​ @pearlygraysky​ @btsiguess-kpop​ @meowmeowisdaname​ @imafivestarkpopstan​

[omni-present-god-send]

Crack-fic 2 Electric Boogaloo

Ok wow, that last fic got some attention. Even the original creator of the AU I was writing about liked it. Wtf. So, um, here's another one! Based on @lets-try-some-writing 's Mr. Pax Au. Yes, I'm bothering you again.

Basically: Prom is coming up and the kids want Optimus to be there. He's flattered. Then cons show up. Destruction.

~

It was odd to have your favorite teacher also be an alien robot. At least Miko made money because of it. Jack and Raf are still mad that she, of all people, called it. There were many advantages though. Easy access to tutoring. Free rides. A shoulder to cry on.

The three of them even helped Optimus with his human disguise! If only to help with the Uncanny Valley he would give them sometimes. His hair was messier now, and he finally got something close to a wardrobe. However, there were some things they couldn't control. Like the way his eyes would get this subtle glow when he got angry or was concentrating. The way his holoform would appear to stop breathing for an extended period of time. Or when we would sing, it was hard to describe, but an almost invisible sound could be heard. Like a bell in the back of your mind. The three of them would soon learn that it was because Optimus, and the other bots in general, could produce sounds just outside of what the human ear could hear clearly.

As the months went by, Mr. Pax would be the best teacher any of them had ever had. Then he would drive them to base and be Optimus. The best dad on this, or any other, planet. It was the best of both worlds!

Sure they had to deal with the Vice-Principal. Trying to get Mr. Pax fired for being a better History teacher in one year than he had been in 15. Vince who, no matter how much Mr. Pax intervened, always went out of his way to make someone miserable. Whether it was Jack or some other poor soul. On top of getting shot at, blown up, stalked, and kidnapped by Decepticons. A break is always welcomed.

Which is how we got here. Miko borrowing Raf's laptop to look at some very sparkly dresses at the base while the boys went to grab some food. Very out of character for the little punk and Optimus noticed immediately. It didn't take more than a few minutes for Optimus to go into the back and for Mr. Pax to emerge out of the dark hallways.

Mr. Pax walked up the stairs and towards the couch where Miko was. She looked very puzzled as she scrolled through the array of dresses on the screen. "You hardly ever even consider that type of fashion Miko. Is everything alright?" Mr. Pax questioned. Miko's head shot up. Clearly not expecting him. "Oh, hey boss. Yeah, everything's fine. Just looking at Prom dresses. My parents are insisting I go." She rolled her eyes and went back to scrolling. "I heard some of the other teachers talking about that. What is 'Prom'?" Mr. Pax inquired.

"Basically is an over-hyped party for seniors to dress up and take pictures with their dates," Miko explained. Mr. Pax hummed. "I hope you have fun regardless." He smiled. Miko gave a laugh and waved him away. Instead of leaving, Mr. Pax took a seat next to her on the couch. "How about we look together? Maybe we can find something you like. Or at the very least something you can edit to fit your style." How could Miko refuse? It wasn't every day she got 1-on-1 time with Best Dad!

Hours passed with them just...looking at dresses. Short ones, long ones, ugly ones, expensive ones. Till, finally, they found it. A knee-length, off-shoulder, black cocktail dress. With a silver detail on the waist. It was a decent price, and Miko could already see every edit that could be done to make it hers. SHe gave Mr. Pax a tight hug before writing down the link to go back to later. Once she got home and back to her own computer that is.

Mr. Pax repeated the process with Jack and, suprisingly, Raf. He thought nothing of it. He was helping his kids students pick out some decent clothes for an importent event. It was the least he could do. Esspecailly with the war dragging them into places and senarios they had no buisness being in.

Before they knew it, Prom was right around the cornor. Mr. Pax was in his classroom grading some papers for the math teacher. When a knock at his door brought him out of his trance. It was Ms. Summer. The science teacher. He opened the door.

"Hello Ms. Summer, can I help you?"

"Yes. You see Mr. Pax, I have a date next weekend." "That's great!" "It is... except I suck at scheduling and our date is at the same time as Prom. I was wondering if you could chaperone in my place?"

Mr. Pax was taken aback. He was not expecting this. "Um... sure. Why not? I don't have a lot going on anyway." He chuckled. Ms. Summer gave him a big smile. "Oh thank you, Mr. Pax! You have no idea how much this helps!" Ms. Summer exclaimed.

Back at base later that day, the children were all talking about their prom plans. "I have some money for bowling if you guys are interested." Jack offered. "Bowling sounds nice," Raf replied. Optimus glances over at the children, trying to hide a smile. He failed. "Hey Boss, you're gonna be there. Right?" Miko suddenly asks. Optimus, now very confused, turns to her. "You...want me at Prom with you all?" The three of them looked at him like he was stupid. In that moment, he was. "Of course, we want you there! You're our favorite!" Raf's words sent warmth through Optimus's spark. He smiled "Then you will be happy to know that Ms. Summer has asked me to chaperone Prom in her wake." Immediately the children started hopping and cheering. "Just because Prom is coming up doesn't mean you all get to skip out on Homework. Miko." She gave him a look of fake offence, before laughing and returning to celebrating with Jack and Raf. Optimus gave a small chuckle and went back to his duties.

Before they knew it, Prom was here. Mr. Pax stood near the door to the building. Glad in a, rather beautiful , black suit. Red flower details covered the suit jacket from top to bottom. Even the tie had red flowers on it! Making it look a lot more expensive then it was. Being a hologram and all.

Prom went, surprisingly, well. The children had fun. Their classmates had enthusiastic reactions to Mr. Pax being there. Except Vince. For obvious reasons. Miko had taken the dress and added spikes, pink and green mesh, and had taken a knife to the skirt. While Jack and Raf were in a blue and yellow suit, respectively.

That was, until Prom got raided by US soldiers. They evacuated everyone from the building. As Mr. Pax was dragged outside by a soldier, he saw what caused the commotion. Even from a distance he could tell they were Deceptions. Three of them. Flying straight toward him. Threatening his students.

He tried to calm down. He really did. He helped get his students to safety. He got as many personal items as he could carry. Nearly punched a soldier. Nearly. He held himself back don’t worry. Blasts of Energon rained down on the building. Chunks fell off. Rubble caught fire. A couple light fixtures exploded.

As the last of his students was taken away by soldiers. Optimus finally let himself take out his anger. Returning to his bi-pedal form, he fired three shots. Each one took out a wing on each con. As the Cons fell from the sky Optimus grabbed them. With the strength of a thousand suns he, as Miko would describe, cracked them like glow sticks. Then threw each one toward the horizon.

When the cons returned they looked like they had been through Kaon. Shaking and rattling like newsparks. As they relaid the story Megatron could feel his spark freeze. Optimus did this? When did he get so violent? Even Soundwave shivered at the story.

Back at the Autobot base, Optimus held Raf, Jack, and Miko close to his spark. Literally. He refused to set them down for longer then necessary. They were still in their, now destroyed, prom clothes. Shaking and crying. Though you didn’t hear that from me. Eventually the day caught up to the and they fell asleep, still in Optimus’s hand. Going into his room, he layed there. His kids sleeping on his chest, close to his spark.

[1800kfics]

so let's go see the stars

wk: 3k

TW: mental illness, manic episode, use of medication. might be hard to read for some, pls make sure you're in the right headspace before proceeding :)

song: plug me in - lil soda boi

Kim Donghyun. Your sky blue, your peach pink, your crimson purple.

You pull your knees to your chest to make room for Leehan in the windowsill nook. The two of you loved people watching from your apartment window. It was your favorite activity to do together.

“My new medication has been making me nauseous and giving me the worst headaches. Doctor said this one wouldn’t do that.” You complain with a huff. Leehan has always been an amazing listener. He always heard you out and never complained about his own problems. Everyone needs someone like him in their life, you think to yourself.

“It must be too strong. Tearing up your body from the inside. Stop taking it, missing one here and there won’t hurt.” He offers.

You sigh and bore a hole into the empty bench across the street. “I know it won’t, but the doctors lectured me when they found out I had started skipping. They were real serious – I hated it. They always try to make me feel like there’s something - something wrong with me.” You say. “How come you haven’t been coming around lately?” You add.

He looks at you and responds, “I don’t know. You just haven’t needed me lately.” He grabs the top of one of your knees and says, “Hot chocolate?”. Smiling, you simultaneously get up to make your way over to the kitchen.

You had known Leehan for what felt like forever. It might have been forever. You must’ve given him your apartment key ages ago, because you don’t even remember doing it. He’s been by your side through thick and thin.

Sometimes you wonder how he hasn’t gotten sick of you yet. He stays until you fall asleep, then quietly lets himself out. Sometimes you’ll wake up and see he’s already come back – like he never left. Sometimes, though, he’ll go MIA. No text or calls back, completely off the map. You’ve learned not to take it personally, and figure he needs his alone time as much as everyone else.

He doesn’t seem to have any other friends, which he doesn’t seem to mind. You don’t have that many friends either. You don’t think your parents like him though. Everytime you brought him up in your formative years you saw their eyebrows furrow, like they were holding something back. You wondered what rubbed them the wrong way about him, he’s never done anything to offend.

Leehan always has your back. He’ll hype you up when you need motivation and comfort you when all you need is a shoulder to cry on. But most importantly, he understands you. He made you realize that it’s okay not to be okay. When the meds fogged up your brain, he helped you work up the courage to stop taking them. When you couldn’t manage to go outside, he kept you company inside. He helped you wash your hair in the sink when getting in the shower seemed like an impossible task. Leehan has and will always be there for you.

Leehan made you think deeper about things. One night, he and you lay in bed together, enveloped in a comfortable silence. He sat up and scooted closer to you. You noticed and diverted your attention to him. He stared at you for a few seconds, then put his hand over your lower left rib cage. "Fear," he said. Confused, you cock your eyebrow but let him continue. He moves his hand up to your heart and makes eye contact with you, "joy." As he moves a little to the left to your sternum he scrunches his face and says "anger." He then trails his hand up to your jaw, lingering on your neck for a few seconds, causing goosebumps to rise on your skin. "Sadness" he says. After this, he retracted his hand all together and let himself fall onto the pillow next to you.

After coming home from a doctor’s appointment in one day, Leehan ran up to greet you. “How did it go?” He asked.

“Not the best.” You respond, setting your bags down on the kitchen counter. He picks up a small paper bag and shakes it. It lets out a rattle. “More pills?” He assumes disapprovingly. You nod your head. 

“What, you’re just going to let them control you like this? You said it yourself, you can’t get anything done on these stupid pills. And the side effects – I can’t bear to see you in pain. They’re not worth it.” He reproaches.

“I know. I agree. But you know it… it gets bad when I’m not on something. I have to keep trying until one of them works.” You counter.

He huffs and puts the bag back on the counter. “Not with this bullshit. Find another solution. Truthfully, I don’t come around that often when you’re on meds because I can’t stand being around someone I don’t know. You change when you’re under their spell.” With that, he storms off.

You’re surprised and a little upset at the very least. He never gets mad at you. The last thing you want is to drive away the only person who’s stuck around. You stand with a hand on the counter for a moment to compose yourself.

When you finally gather up the courage to go speak to him, you find him at the window nook. You stand in front of him and he looks up at you. You start, “I’m sorry. I know it’s annoying and unfair for you to have to keep up with all my mood swings and problems. I’m sorry you have to deal with me at all. That being said, you’re all I have. I’d rather spend time with you than have you not recognize me when I’m taking some medication. I choose you.”

Not knowing what to do after that declaration, you looked to the side sheepishly. Silently, he wrapped his arms around your waist and pressed his head against your stomach, pulling you closer in the process. You wrapped your hands gently around his head, fiddling with his long hair in the process. You loved this. You loved him, and wouldn’t trade him for the world.

A few days and an annoying phone call later, you sigh and leave the comfort of your bed to go find Leehan. You see him on the couch, reading the book he had most recently brought home.

“I just got off the phone with Sophia, you remember I told you about her? My friend from high school.” You start. He nods, and you continue. “She’s asking why she hasn’t met you yet.” He shifts uncomfortably. “What did you tell her?” He asks.

“I just told her because you’re busy and a bit introverted. She doesn’t need to know that you basically live here.” You say, making your way over to the couch and plopping next to him.

“Good, thanks.” He says. “As we both know, I’m not really a people person. Besides you, of course.” He says, face illuminated with a smile. You immediately felt warmth grow in your chest. Seeing him smile felt like winning a prize at an arcade, like the smell of jasmine. You never wanted to lose him.

One night, it got particularly bad. You had been up for at least 24 hours, full of energy. You paced back and forth behind the couch where Leehan was sitting, thoughts racing 100mph. Leehan notices how antsy you are, and intervenes, “What’s wrong?”

Heart pounding, you try to respond. “I don’t know, I just, I feel so helpless. I have so many ideas but I’m too useless to do any of them. Why don’t I always have this sort of motivation? It’s burning inside of me.” You grab a fistful of your oversized shirt and pull it out and in to fan yourself lightly.

“Do you want some water? I can grab you a glass.” He asks, feet already moving towards the fridge.

Unable to properly respond, you just let your feet guide you over to the kitchen. Bouncing on the balls of your feet, you decide that you need to shower instead. “Shower!” You yell over your shoulder, already halfway to the bathroom by the time Leehan registers where you’re going.

The shower is refreshing, but mid-shampoo, the buzzing feeling in your heart seems to shift. It feels heavier, uglier. You slowly drop your hands, letting them swing to a still at your sides. You don’t feel so good anymore, about anything. Everything felt a horrible shade of brownish green and the taste of lemon lime gatorade.

20 minutes pass, and Leehan decides to check up on you. With a soft knock on the door, he says, “Hey, you alright in there?”. Ear pressed against the door but still not hearing any response but the running water, he knocks again, calling your name.

Now it’s his turn to pace. Finally deciding, he turns back towards the door and says a bit louder this time, “I’m coming in!” Hand shaking a bit, he grabs the door handle firmly and opens it.

When he gets inside he sees you curled up on the floor of the shower. He grabs a towel and rushes to open the door. You don’t seem to mind – or even fully acknowledge his presence. He tries his best to wrap you in the towel and slumps on the wet ground next to you. The last thing he’s worried about is his clothes.

He grabs the bottom of his face and guides it to face his own. “Breath, breath. What’s happening?” He asks.

Sobs racking your body and hot tears streaming down your face, you (unsuccessfully) try to pull yourself together. “I… I don’t know. I don’t know why everything is so hard. Why is everything so hard? Why can I not fucking do anything? What’s wrong with me?” You babble.

He quickly pulls you impossibly closer to him, legs clanging against each other and your head on his chest, his chin resting atop it. He tries his best to sooth you, hands stroking your wet hair.

“You’ll get through this. I won’t leave until you do. I promise.” He says assuringly.

All you could do was sob into his chest for what felt like hours.

He didn’t leave.

You slept for most of the day, woken only by the ring of your phone. You both woke up in a haze, stiff from sleeping upright on the bathroom floor. You reach to the counter to grab your phone. It’s Sophia. You call her back.

“Hey! Where have you been?” Her voice stings your ear. “I, uh, I slept in.” You reply. “Until 4pm? God, okay, well, have you read any of my texts? I’m in the neighborhood so I thought I’d stop by. I’ll be there in 5.” She says all at once. “Okay, I – okay. See you then.” Instead of arguing, you decide you’d use the few minutes to make yourself look presentable.

Once you hang up, you tell Leehan about Sophia. “She’s coming over in a few minutes. I didn’t really have a choice, believe me.” You say, going to your room to get changed.

When she arrives, you let her in with a fake smile. She wraps you in a half-returned hug. “Didn’t you say you just woke up? You look exhausted.” She says with a grimace.

Did she come here just to insult me? You wonder, annoyed by her blunt comment. Brushing it off, you retort, “I didn’t sleep very well to be honest. Can I get you anything to drink?”

After a somewhat pleasant visit surrounding small talk of where Sophia’s moved since high school and what your lives have been like the past few years, it seems like she’s finally finished with her stop by. Walking to the door, Sophia quips, “You know, I was sure I was going to catch that Leehan boy here. You always mention him but never offer to introduce us. Is he really that shy?”

Thinking that this might be the right time for Leehan to meet someone else from your life, meaningful or not, you respond. “Actually he is here! Let me go get him. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.” As you go to find him, she mumbles under her breath. “He’s here and he didn’t even come out? How rude. I don’t know why she hangs around that guy.”

Oddly enough, you search all the rooms in the apartment to no avail. Leehan isn’t there. With a frown on your face, you go back to the entrance of the apartment to try to explain yourself.

“He actually um, he must’ve left while I was changing. He really is that shy.” You say with a light chuckle, in an attempt to make the situation less weird.

Sophia nervously laughs. “Okay, okay. Maybe another time then. Also, are you taking your meds?”

Your heart jumps at her question. “How… How do you know I’m on meds?” You inquire.

She shifts her weight a bit with a pause, looking as if she’s carefully choosing her words. “I bumped into your parents recently when visiting home and, you know how your mom is…” She says.

A sting of betrayal sparks in your heart. “Did she ask you to ask me about the meds? Does she not think I’m taking them? Actually no, I’m not going to discuss this with you.” You extend your arm past her to open the door, insinuating that she needs to take her leave.

All of a sudden, Sophia grabs your shoulder. “Please, your mom is worried about you. Both of them are. I am. Can you just take your medication for us?” You screw your face up at her sudden request.

“Sophia, I’m really fine. I can manage without them. They don’t make me feel good, do you understand? Plus, I have Leehan-” You begin to express, being cut off abruptly.

“That’s just it though! You’re not! You sleep all day, don’t respond for days, and your only friend is someone no one else has ever met! You’re not fine! There is something wrong and you are scaring us.” She outbursts.

You’re in shock for a moment. “You don’t care about me. You never did. You’re just a henchman for my parents.” You shake her hand off your shoulder and it falls back to her side, defeated. The look in her eye turns from concerned to blank. Her fallen hand goes to clutch the strap of her bag. “Okay. Good luck then.” She says, turning and opening the door in one motion. She leaves without another word.

Even though you didn’t appreciate Sophia’s visit, it held a little more weight to know that your parents were involved. They were concerned, scared for you?

That evening, you thought about this standing by the kitchen counter with the new medication in front of you. 

All of a sudden, Leehan walks in. He sees you and walks over to you, patting your head like a puppy. You beam up at him, the first time you’ve smiled all day. “How are you feeling?” He says, taking off his jacket and draping it over the closest chair. “Utterly and completely exhausted.” You respond honestly.

You turn to face him directly. “Hey, I think I might give this new medication a chance.” You say. His eyebrows knit almost immediately. “After everything they’ve done to you so far? Really? They practically make you a zombie.” He says.

You move to grab a glass from the cabinet and fill it halfway with water. “Yes, after everything. I can’t afford to go through last night over and over again. I can’t handle it.” You say.

He goes silent. Too silent. “What are you thinking?” You ask. It takes him a few heartbeats to respond, but when he does, you wish you never asked.

“How do you think I feel?” “What?” “How do you think I feel? I’m by your side through all of this. You don’t think I’m sick of it too? This is just as much my battle as it is yours. You… you couldn’t do any of it without me. You need me. These pills, they just make you some brainless loser. Those ideas and dreams you have sometimes? You won’t be able to achieve any of them on those damn pills, I can guarantee you that.” He says.

Your jaw tightens at the shocking and harsh comments he just made. It turns to anger in your heart. “What, are you trying to control me too? Is that it? If you feel so burdened by me then why don’t you go and leave me too? You are by no means obligated to stay here with some brainless loser.” You angrily swipe the pill bottle from the counter and shake out a pill. You toss it in your mouth without and drink from your glass without hesitation, looking him in the eye while you do it. You felt like you could see his resolve break through his eyes, and your jaw tightened with sadness again.

You left for your room. You got in bed and immediately burst out in tears. You left the door open, though. With Leehan, an open door meant the other could come in, even if you weren’t in the best of moods.

After a minute, Leehan slinked in. He silently climbed into bed with you. Instinctively, you put your head against his chest and continued to cry. What you didn’t expect was for him to start shuddering. You open your eyes to see tears coming out of Leehan’s eyes. The look on his face brought you so much anguish. His shade wilted to a dull ash and it broke your heart.

You sit up and try to wrap your hands around him for once. Still crying, he says, “I just… I don’t want to lose what I have. Don’t let them take you away from me. Please. I need you in my life. I can’t live without you. Please let me stay.”

You hold him close until you both fall asleep, just like he’s done for you time after time. When you wake, you see that Leehan has already woken up. After you fully wake up, you return to your room. You sit on the window nook, legs to your chest to make room for Leehan out of habit. He’ll turn up soon, you think to yourself.

He never does.

hi guys! this is unedited so i apologize for any mistakes :,) wrote it in the spur of the moment, i hope u enjoy! also i realized how little works there are for the bonedo community to i'm officially joining the forces 🫡

p.s. i got inspo from the forest fic…

[jester-lover]

Hiya! Saw that you had three request slots open so I thought I'd give it a go (if they aren't open anymore or you already got other requests ignore this)

I was wondering if I could request a twisted wonderland fic where the characters see the reader in traditional desi clothes for the first time, I'm not sure if you have a specific character limit so I'll just ask for Idia, Azul and Malleus. Ignore this if this goes against anything, thank you! ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ♡

I couldn't find the shirt for my favorite Lehenga, so I accepted this request to cheer me up, also, my character limit is 5-10 depending on the size and detail of the request. I'll do all the characters here bc I like this request.

contains- fem! reader, fluff, mentions of insecurity

Dorm Leaders Seeing Their S/O in Traditional Desi Clothes for the First Time

Riddle

Riddle is such a blushy boy whenever he sees you in your traditional clothing

His first instinct is to put his red face in his hands and tell you how pretty you look, even though his vision is horrifically obscured

His favorite on you is definitely something red and gold, a lehenga would destroy this man

After he’s done freaking out, he’s literally so honored to be standing next to you, he’s so proud to have a pretty girl on his side

Carries around several safety pins, to keep you looking (and feeling)  your best

“You’ve blown away all my expectations, just- just give me a second to um, recuperate.”

Leona

YES

You just look so powerful in traditional clothing, and he loves powerful women

If you ever get up to dance, he’s definitely in the back, holding your purse bc he's respectful like that

Leona is happy no matter what you're wearing, but golden or saffron toned clothes just make him smile

Will you see that smile? Probably not.

“Do you need me to hold anything? I've got pockets.”

Azul

He has the most shy deposition around you whenever you're dressed up!

Cannot look you in the eyes

If you're wearing SILVER?? Just put him in a coffin already because he’s GONE

Will be holding your hand for the entire party, refuses to admit he’s jealous

Honestly who wouldn't be, you look perfect!!

Definitely the type to wear a kurta alongside you (if you feel like dressing him up)

Azul cannot dance for the life of him, he will be at all the family functions eating all the pakoras

“Look, we match! Now nobody will think I’m single!”

Kalim

He has the sweetest smile on his face

(Aladdin is a mishmash of so many cultures, and desi cultures are one of them, so I assume he’s seen traditional clothing before)

Something about you in your sweet, flowing traditional clothing opens a domestic hole in his heart

He already wants you as a wife, but seeing you in clothing he’s used to seeing on the women back home is probably the final curtain

You own his heart, everything that is his is yours

(politely ask him to wait a couple years before popping the question)

“Would you prefer an evening wedding or a morning one?”

Vil

For once in his life, he genuinely can't find anything to complain about

Vil is so giddy at the thought of doing your makeup, or draping your dupatta, but you will never see that on his face

You will look so good with this man istg

Makeup? Matching the clothes. The clothes? Impeccable.

You will catch him reaching for more traditional clothing if you ever ask him for fashion suggestions

“The lipstick needs to be berry toned to match the rest of your clothing, and perhaps, to match mine.”

Idia

Man is resetting

He’s doing the people equivalent of blue screening

THIS MAN CANNOT LOOK YOU IN THE EYES (because of how pretty you look!!)

He’s highkey questioning how tf you wanted him in the first place, you have to remind him he’s a cutie too!

He’s definitely not going to whatever event you've gotten all dolled up for, but he’s hyped in your behalf

He's like super rich, so he’s definitely getting you more clothes, tailor made and all

“You, you look, uh, really nice..”  

Malleus

Oh he’s def thinking about locking you up in a tower somewhere as we speak

JK!!!! (probably)

My boy is so obsessed with you, he’s tailing behind you at whatever event you're at (assuming for once he's invited) just staring at how pretty you look

This is the dramatic boy who would carry you if you got tired dragging along all that heavy clothing

Also holding on to you, making sure you don’t trip by accident

“Please wear this again, you look radiant.”

[i99zhuo]

Please make a routine guide inspired by Saranghoe u can refer to her youtube vlogs she us productive

How to live like Saranghoe .𖥔 ݁ ˖𖦹⭒°｡⋆

This is a guide on daily routines inspired by Tracy Sohn a.k.a Saranghoe! thank you for the request and sorry for the long wait!

content list (routines):

morning

study

workout

shower + self care

night

(_ _ ) . . z Z⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚୨ :★: ୧ ∗  ˖࣪ ໒꒱  ˚₊·

✸ ꒰ morning routine ꒱⋆ ࣪.* ࣪.⋆

👛 Tracy is definitely NOT a morning person, so everytime she wakes up the first thing she does is check her phone for a few minutes. After that she gets straight up and opens up her curtains to let the light in.

Then she goes to her bathroom and uses a hair band to get her hair out of the way so she can brush her teeth and wash her face with a gentle foam cleanser. After rinsing it out she uses her skincare products; toner sheets, serum, cream and a tinted sunscreen!

🌷 Now she changes clothes, Tracy usually wears cute knit tops with some plaid skirts in basic colors (white, gray or black) and she also wears some dainty jewelry and leg warmers. Remember to put on a hair roller to style your bangs while you do your makeup!

It's time for makeup! Tracy usually does the same makeup routine, eyebrows, mascara, eyeliner, blush, lip tint and a shiny highlighter, oh! also she only puts on a bit of concealer since the tinted sunscreen already works as a glowy foundation.

🍥 Clean your room a little before packing the last things on your bag and spraying perfume to you out to your uni / school or have brunch!

✸ ꒰ study routine ꒱⋆ ࣪.* ࣪.⋆

Tracy usually takes digital notes on notion! and she always includes useful links with videos and resources so she can review them later. For language learning though, she copies the vocab on a notebook and reads it before her test so she can have them fresh in her memory. She also always studies listening to ost of her favorite animes, kdramas or manhwas!

🩰 After a long day of school she likes to take a nap and have some rest!

✸ ꒰ workout routine ꒱⋆ ࣪.* ࣪.⋆

If you're curious on how Tracy takes care of her figure you need to know that walking plays a huge role in it! In her vlogs she always goes to most places entirely by walking! You can do this too and start counting how many steps you walk in a day.

🏩 Also you can try and dance to an energetic kpop song like Hype boy by NewJeans, practicing multiple times a day can definitely replace a workout routine!

✸ ꒰ shower and self care routine ꒱⋆ ࣪.* ࣪.⋆

If you want to have a selfcare, start your shower routine by taking a long bath, use a bath bomb, some bubbles and candles to set the mood, you can even use a little tray to watch kdramas like tracy!

🛍 Then you can play some music to actually take a shower, take care of your hair with shampoo and conditioner and then clean your body with a cleanser and a loofah.

When you're done it's time for skincare, use some toner pads, serum, moisturizer, eye cream and lip balm! also apply cream on your body and cuticle oil on your nails.

💞 Next you can dry your hair and use some leave-in products to have extra soft and shiny hair!

One of Tracy's keys to look extra cute and pretty always is to get appointments with professionals to get facials, lash perms, haircuts and her nails done!

✸ ꒰ night routine ꒱⋆ ࣪.* ࣪.⋆

👚 Tracy usually dines out with her friends or family! After she arrives home she gets comfy so she can have a long study session! If you're a night person, try and get all your assignments done at this time to feel extra productive! And don't forget to have a late night meal/snack.

After getting all her school work done she relax on her bed, often with a sheet mask on (specially on winter) and watch anime or dramas until she falls asleep 

Good night!

heyyyyy I finally post again haha, sorry for making you guys wait for sooo long but I got my period and I was feeling soooo bad I wanted to disappear 💀 also idk why my liz post getting so much attention made me a little anxious so I procrastinated all my requests for so long hehe im sorry :(

well that's all I will try to upload my next requests soon !!!

toodlezzzz!!111!

[bangtanhoneys]

The Grammy Awards - Part Three.

Part 2

It was amazing how quickly the South Korean government could move when it needed to. The news had arrived on the President’s desk the moment the Grammy’s had ended in Los Angeles, 17 hours behind them. It was all over other various media sites as Seoul and the rest of the nation were waking up to the news that BTS had secured two Grammy wins with their female member, Grace Chu. 

She had won 7 Rings - Record of the Year and In My Head - Album of the Year, with Bang-PD & PDogg also receiving their own Grammy’s as producers of the album. It was a huge accomplishment considering BTS had been up for similar awards so many times and had walked home empty handed every time. The fact that they had been even nominated was a huge accomplishment but now they could hold their heads up high and say their female member had won it for them. 

The military had given Jimin, Jungkook, Yoongi & Namjoon an extra day of leave after the news had arrived so they could be part of Grace’s welcome home party. The government had been quick to act - a hero’s welcome home for opening the door to the rest of the world of idols and K-Pop that a Grammy could be won. 

Of course, some said it was because her song was in English and that she was British had a hand in it. Her citizenship was always a bone of contention amongst some Koreans that she had never given up her British identity, preferring to be dual. And there were the anti-fans who thought their groups deserved it more than she did, that she hadn’t done any hard work, hadn’t done any of the lyrics (although Grace had her name on every song credit) and it just continued as the news was pumped around. 

No one cared though. 

It came down to one simple thing: Grace Chu had won two Grammys in a single night, for an album she had worked her bum off for with two of the men that had always been number one supporters of her solo career. 

HYBE were already making plans to open a special display for the awards, her costumes, and her dress and hype it up even more. 

For Grace, it had been a blur. From the moment her name had been called for the first award, then the second, and then backstage where everyone had congratulated her and there were sooo many celebrities clambering to get a photo with her, and the boys were on the phone sending their congratulations and by the time they got back to the hotel with a police escort, Grace had simply asked: “What the hell has just happened?”

There was champagne, expensive bottles of it, being popped and her father had drunk at least one bottle on his own. Her mother had been calling Korea, telling their friends and family about the night and Sejin had been updating HYBE, Big Hit and the boys with what was going on. 

Grace sat down next to Bang-PD and he reached over, putting his hand on her knee to pat it. “Hell of a night?” he asked, laughing. 

“You could say that again,” she gently laughed and ran a hand over her face. She was more than ready to get the makeup off, get the dress off and have a long shower then crawl into bed. All the stress of the night had melted away the moment the hotel door opened.

“I’m proud of you though, Hea. You work exceedingly hard, double that of the boys and yet you never wanted anything at the end of the day. You simply go with the flow and if it happens, it happens. But look at what happened tonight - your performance and two awards in your name.”

“Our name,” Grace corrected with a grin. “Our name, PD-nim. You, me and PDogg. We each get our own in three months.”

“Three months?” he asked, looking horrified. “Hang on, I need to make some calls.”

She guessed he hadn’t heard that part when they had gone backstage to do photos and they had taken the awards off them, explaining that these were simply props and they would receive the actual ones in the post in three months. 

Sejin sat down next to her and let out a large breath, running a hand over his face, through his hair and slipped his glasses off. “Wonder if they're doing room service right now?” he asked, wiping the corner of his eye.

“I could do with a big greasy burger with extra pickles and a cola,” Grace sighed. If there was going to be a cheat day, now would be it. 

Bang-PD came back just as room service was bringing in trays of burgers and fries and cola, complimentary from the hotel for what she had won tonight. “Perfect timing,” he said as he swiped his own burger and took a seat next to his artist and her manager. 

“So, want to hear some good news?”

Grace and Sejin turned to look at him, eyebrows raised with matching expressions as their mouths were taking a bite out of their burgers. It made Bang-PD laugh and he waved a hand, letting them carry on eating.

“I spoke to the Grammys, we can pick up the awards on the way to the airport. They are going to rush-order them as it were. Took a bit of talking but we did it and the President has been on the phone.”

“President of South Korea?” both Grace and Sejin asked.

“That one. He’s got the information of our flight tomorrow and we’re landing in Incheon around 5:30pm so he’s going to roll out the red carpet as it were. It’s going to be a big hero’s welcome - press, photos, a little bit of a speech, and the boys are going to be there. They're off but they’ve been asked to come in their military dress for the day.”

“Jin is going to hate that,” Grace laughed as she threw the extra pickles in her mouth. “So is Yoongi.”

“From what I’ve heard, they're planning their own celebration dinner for you, us, and their families. So be warned,” Bang-PD said as he reached over to wipe some sauce from her chin.

“You always look after me,” Grace grinned as she took a napkin and wiped at her chin anyway.

“You are his favourite after all,” Sejin mentioned. 

Their flight was leaving Los Angeles at 10:50am so everyone said their goodnights and went to bed. The next morning, it was a bit of a hurry to get the crew moving though Grace’s parents had opted to stay an extra day to avoid the chaos that would be awaiting them when they got home. 

The airport was chaotic anyway and they had managed to get to the first class lounge without much issue even though there were plenty of people with cameras and phones out. The Grammy Awards, which had arrived three hours ago as promised, were locked in a large briefcase which went on with Bang-PD and a bodyguard and had to have special clearance. 

For Grace, it was still a bit of a blur. She hadn’t fully processed what had happened and she hadn’t fully realised the magnitude of winning such an award was going to bring to her, the boys, the company and the country. 

BTS had always talked about how the goal was a Grammy and though they didn’t need one to know their success, it would have been nice to point at it and say ‘We won that.’ No one had ever talked about what winning one would actually mean in the grander sense of things - it opened the doors for other artists out of South Korea to put forward for an award. That anything was now possible thanks to Grace opening up that opportunity. 

When she settled in her seat and they had taken off, she had sent a message to the group chat with the boys, unsure if any of them would be awake or active with the time difference.

‘On the flight home - it’s a 14-hour flight so I’ll see you at whatever time that is.’

Unsurprisingly, it was Yoongi who answered.

‘We have to wear our military dress uniforms. I hate you so much.’

Grace grinned and took a screenshot of the moment when her name flashed up on the screen when she had won her first Grammy and sent it over with the message: ‘Not my fault I won.’

He sent back a grumpy looking selfie but Grace knew underneath all that he was happy and excited and proud.

They were an hour away from landing when Sejin came over to her seat.

“So this is roughly how it’s going to happen - everyone is going off the plane first and us last. And then we’re going through like we normally do but they’ve laid out a red carpet and they're going to have military personnel lining the carpet. When we get to the doors, it’s the usual cameras, photos, bow and wave. There’s going to be a small stage with Bang-PD and we’ll have one Grammy out so they can take photos, answer a few questions and then finish.”

“All this because of the Grammys,” Grace groaned and rubbed her eyes. “They're making it sound like I won every championship in every sport for South Korea. Rather than it just being a music award.”

“They did this when Son Heung-min won his Golden Boot and they did this when the Parasite director, Bong Jun Ho came home after winning an Emmy,” Sejin reminded her. 

“God help them when someone wins an award worth winning then,” Grace yawned as she stretched up her arms and started getting herself ready. 

Her make up artist did a quick job of covering any eye bags and making her presentable, brushing out her long hair that had been tied up in a messy bun for the flight. It felt too much for something so little.

But then Grace had always been good at downplaying anything. 

Even something as big as this. 

She felt the nerves twist when the last passenger was off as was the rest of the team, leaving only Sejin, Bang-PD and three bodyguards left on the plane with Grace. The pilot bowed at her when she passed and thanked her for her contributions, to which she bowed back and thanked him for keeping her safe. 

As predicted, there was a red carpet from where she stepped off the plane to the long hallway which would take her to arrivals. Her bags were already collected by the team that had got off before her. 

Letting out a deep breath, Grace glanced towards Bang-PD who winked at her and gave her a gentle push forward so she would be the first one out of the doors with two bodyguards flanking her. 

She bowed in thanks to those military personnel who lined the hallway for her and she could hear the noise the closer she got towards the doors though they had been closed and blocked off by military and police. 

The moment they parted and the doors opened, the noise became overwhelming. Screams from fans, from the general public to ARMY, to the press as they all tried to get a picture as she stood there, bowing in thanks.

A hand on her back from Sejin gently pushed her towards a stand that was put up with a podium with a microphone on it, the backdrop a mix of big names like HYBE, Big Hit Entertainment, the Blue House, Korea Air and the Grammys. There Bang-PD pulled out one of the Grammys and handed it to her and for the first time, she could feel the proper weight of it.

The prop had been lighter, for obvious reasons, but this felt heavy with its full metal and she could see her name engraved on the plaque at the bottom - both in Korean and English. 

Then the questions started.

Was she happy to be back home? 100%.

What did she think of her performance?  She was very happy with it and happy it went to plan, there were no hiccups. 

Did she wish the boys had been with her? Of course.

What did she think of the Grammys now she had won it?

The question made her pause and out of the corner of her eye, she could see her boys lined up at the side but at the back so they weren’t in the crowd. They were all watching but waved the moment she looked over. 

“It’s a grand prize for a lot of hard work that myself, Bang-PD and PDogg have put into this. But I still think I’m undeserving of this when I know for a fact that Bangtan Sonyeondan is more deserving of it as a group rather than me as a solo artist. However, I’m proud and I’m proud that I’ve opened the door for others and that this brings honour to my family and to my country that I’ve called home since I was a child.”

It seemed the appropriate response as the crowd cheered and she stepped back, handing the award to Bang-PD so he could answer his questions. 

She kept her eyes on the boys though. 

One lot of people pleasing to get through with photos and then she could be out of here, back at HYBE with her people and onto the next thing. 

She was out in record time with a police escort driving her from the airport to the company building, the Grammy briefcase now with her rather than Bang-PD who had gone to see the President of Korea himself. 

“Noona!”

That’s all she needed to hear.

Her arms were trapped to her side as Jungkook rushed over, now in a t-shirt and shorts, wrapping his arms around her to hold her close. Jimin and Taehyung soon followed, Hobi followed straight after that with excited yells and finally, they were joined by Namjoon, Yoongi and Jin. 

“Thank god,” she sighed and leaned all her weight on her muscle bunny who happily accepted it. It felt good to be home, it felt good to be with her boys again. There was no need for more words even as the seven talked around her, mentioning the press conference. 

“Hang on,” Grace laughed as she pulled away. “Let me go and wash my face and wake up. That was a long flight and I don’t even know what time it is.”

They pulled away enough for her to grab the briefcase and hand it over to Namjoon, who blinked rapidly at her. “You can deal with that,” she said and headed off to the bathroom, with Seokjin following.

“This is going to look really weird if someone comes in,” Grace grinned as she watched him glance at the door as it closed behind him. She splashed cold water on her face and scrubbed at the make-up, splashing more water on her face.

Seokjin handed over a towel and leaned against the radiator, shrugging. “I’m sure the boys are betting on what we’re actually doing but I just wanted to say hello and I’m proud of you.”

The make up was off which made her skin felt a hundred times better and it felt like she could breathe for once as she used the towel to dry away the droplets. When it was all done, she walked over to her boyfriend and rested her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“I wished you had been with me,” she sighed.

“I know but your parents had a blast from the sounds of it and the night was meant to be about you and you only. Not me, not the rest of the guys, though wait till you hear the stories from when they were at mine - you’ll laugh your socks off,” he laughed and gave her a good squeeze, taking hold of her hand. “I’m very proud of you though.”

“Our time will come,” Grace nodded and smiled at the forehead kiss. “All eight of us.”

Her boyfriend dragged her back to the room where the rest of the boys were looking at the Grammy award, Namjoon holding one and Jimin holding the other.

“It doesn’t look like much, does it?” Taehyung mentioned. “All the prep, stress and everything else for something so small.”

“So what’s going to happen when they introduce us now? Is it going to be BTS with two time Grammy awarded singer, Grace Chu?” Yoongi asked, grinning over at his sister who glared at him and then gave him a good push on the other shoulder.

“Shut up. It doesn’t change anything, not for me anyway,” Grace sat down and shrugged. “If anything it’s more work because they’ll expect another album from me.”

“I’m going to say this now,” Namjoon started as he placed the award on the table. “We’re all very proud of you and we were watching with big smiles on our faces, though the outfit and dance moves need to be talked about. But regardless, she’s BTS. If anything, she’s become more important than me because everyone will want to see her more than us.”

Namjoon got a disgruntled look from his female member and he grinned in return. “Sorry noona, it’s time for you to step up to the plate now. I’ve done my job.”

“What job? I trained you, don’t forget,” Grace pointed out then pointed at each boy in return, especially Seokjin. “Don’t start getting all lackadaisical now. ARMY is waiting for us and you’ve all got months to go before some of you are back.”

“Yeah we need SK1,” Jungkook pointed out.

“Exactly,” Grace agreed. 

“Anyway,” Hobi clapped his hands as he stood, distracting Seokjin from trying to strangle the youngest. “Let’s go and celebrate! Noona deserves to be wined and dined. And then sleepover?”

“Yeah Jin-hyung has plenty of space,” Jimin agreed as he helped lock up the Grammy award. 

“I do?” the man in question asked just as Jungkook said, “Yeah he does. We can all sleep on the couch.”

Big Hit would later upload two photos from the boys to Grace - one with all of them together at the dinner, the Grammy Awards in the centre of the table and the second photo from Jungkook, taking a selfie with all of them fast asleep in the background. 

The perfect welcome home for the two-time award winning singer, Grace Chu. 

[dawn-iscozy]

a little warmth in winter

PAIRING: ot8 + named original character (Rora)

WORD COUNT: 9.6k

WARNINGS: fluffy fluff, some suggestive moments, christmas, very self-indulgent, Rora is kinda anxious/nervous in the beginning, mc uses she/her pronouns and wears a dress and makeup, they're dating her & she's dating them but they aren't dating each other - maybe, loooots of pet names, lemme know if there are other things that should be mentioned here 😊

A NOTE BEFORE READING: this is a little one-shot i wrote in literally three days (the quickest i've written anything tbh), so if it seems rushed or clunky in places, it probably is. i just really wanted to get this all out on the page and my eyes were starting to cross with how often i went back to edit it (please ignore any issues or typos). thank you to my online friends for giving me the love and encouragement i needed to get this written into existence. more specifically, thank you to @frenchkisstheabyss for hyping me up when i needed it most and supporting my first serious dive into fanfic writing (adore you so much, darling 💖). this is also a kind of in-the-future spin-off thing for a much longer fic that i've been writing for...quite a long time now (it's over 60k words atp 🫣).

anyway! thanks for reading, if you do! and let me know what you think about it!

happy new year, and happy reading!

❄ a little warmth in winter ❄

Rora had done everything she could possibly think to do in her apartment while waiting for the boys. Her boys. Giddiness filled her at the mere thought of them being hers, replaced almost immediately by the anxiety that had been churning her stomach all week. Since Christmas, even. Even though it had all been planned since before Christmas, so that they could all go to see their families and focus on their end of the year work. Even though she had everything done and all her gifts purchased and ready to be given and she knew they would love anything she would give them. 

She just couldn’t calm down. How could she when they were about to celebrate the holidays together for the first time. They had skipped out on it last time, still too busy with work and family and just figuring out what the heck was going on with their relationship. She had understood. Had encouraged the bit of time apart to focus on themselves. But had missed them all greatly. Had dreamed of how they would spend the days. What traditions they would possibly make. How they would all stay the night, cramped in one of their apartments but so happy to be spending the time together. Laughing and talking and just being content. Together. Who would wake up first to make breakfast (probably Wooyoungie and her and Hwa). 

She was excited to finally be able to experience this next part in their relationship. But she was just as nervous. 

Despite having already cleaned her apartment, she had vacuumed. She had mopped the floors and wiped the kitchen and bathroom counters. Had cleaned the sinks and the tub. Made her bed and sprayed her favorite fragrance on the soft fabrics around her space and lit her favorite candle. Had even folded and reorganized all the clothes in her dresser.

But she still had about half an hour of waiting left until they should all start arriving and way too much nervous energy flowing through her body. 

She fussed about the gifts lined up under her bed, the blanket fixed just so, so that they would be visible. She made sure the bags looked okay and the tissue paper covered up everything, that the wrapped presents were still intact and not ripped, that each one had their respective cards still attached. All eight of them were fine, but her heart still raced in her chest and her hands still shook and she still couldn’t just sit down and relax. 

Relief flooded her when a knock came on her door, and she almost cried with the strength of the emotion. She rushed to the door, not even bothering to look through the peephole before pulling it open. Seonghwa stood there, looking absolutely angelic in a thick white cable-knit sweater, beige newsboy cap, and cream long coat. His legs looked extra long in his loose trousers, and pretty heeled boots. His blond hair curled to fall in loose waves that framed his face perfectly. His lashes looked extra long, his cheeks rosy from the cold, his lips shiny with lip balm or gloss. 

Rora grabbed him by the lapels of his coat and pulled him inside, arms wrapping around his waist. It was a bit of a struggle navigating around the bags in his hands, but she made it work, clasping him to her as tightly as she could, hands fisting the back of his coat. His soft chuckle filled her ears, long fingers tangling lightly with her hair at the back of her head to hold her face to his chest until she pulled back to look up at him. Her eyes burned, and she hoped for the sake of the makeup she took just a little too long to put on, that she wasn’t actually going to start crying. 

“What’s wrong with my bunny, hmm?” Seonghwa asked, his voice soft and low and edged with concern that contrasted with the amusement shining in his pretty eyes. “You’re shaking like a leaf.”

“Nervous,” she whispered, teeth nibbling her lower lip, wincing when the distinct flavor of lipstick met her tongue. 

Seonghwa clicked his tongue. “Don’t do that, bunny. You worked so hard on your makeup.” His thumb wiped away the smudges around her mouth with a softness that had her heart turning in her chest before he was ushering her further into the apartment. He left her space only long enough to slip off his boots before he was grabbing her hand, linking his fingers together, and tugging her further into her apartment. “C’mon, bun. Let me fix it for you.”

He sat her down on the sofa, kissed her on the head, and left to get her lipstick from the bathroom. She waited, leg bouncing and hands clasped in her lap, but her nerves weren’t as bad as they had been before he arrived. They were still bad enough, however, that she was staring off into space and unable to hear as Seonghwa came back to her. 

She blinked the world back into focus when fingers brushed her cheek to see him kneeling on the floor in front of her, those eyes round and sparkling, lips curved into a soft smile that still, over a year into knowing him, never failed to make her weak in the knees. He was thorough, eyes fully focused as he wiped off the ruined lipstick, kneeling up to press a kiss to her bottom lip that had her breath catching in her throat and her cheeks heating up. Before she could fully register it, he was swiping the lipstick on, blurring the edges out with his soft touch. 

“Shouldn’t have even bothered fixing my lipstick.” 

“Why’s that?” he asked, eyes flickering up to lock with hers

“Wanna kiss you,” she said, and she hoped he could hear the ache in her voice. 

A cocky smirk came to his face as he leaned up, invading her space until his breath fanned her face. “You’ll just have to wait, hmm?” he murmured, his nose sliding along hers, lips so close she trembled with want. “Don’t you want the others to see how pretty you look for them before I ruin your makeup, bunny?” 

The whimper slipped from her throat before she could stop it, and he chuckled, cupped her jaw and tipped her head back with his thumb under her chin. It was so hard to breathe when he hovered so close. When he stole every ounce of her attention. When she needed him more than she needed her next breath. 

And then his hand was around her throat, those gorgeous, slender fingers gripping the sides of her neck with just enough pressure to have her brain fuzzing with pleasure. “You can have all the kisses you want later, okay?” He let her go in favor of smoothing his thumb up her throat, coming to rest on her pulse. He paused there a moment, eyes intense as they looked her over. Then he was smiling so sweetly at her and pressing a quick peck to her nose, and she was left dizzy with the absolute switch-up in mood. 

“How about a glass of wine?” He suggested, standing in front of her. His hands settled on her shoulders, giving the muscles a brief massage. “I bought that pretty bottle you’ve been wanting to try.”

Rora giggled and nodded.

Seonghwa shrugged out of his jacket, folded it up and draped it over the back of one of the barstools lining the kitchen island she used in the place of a dining table. Pulling his sleeves up, he walked over to the bags he had apparently set on the counter, pulling out the matte black bottle she had been eyeing at the store the last few times she had accompanied Hwa to buy groceries. He also pulled out a bottle that she immediately recognized as her favorite cheap wine, the one she buys every fall and winter season. Cranberry flavored and simply decorated and very sweet. “Bought this too, in case the other one isn’t good.” The smile he threw back at her over his shoulder was equal parts self-indulgent and teasing, and she was helpless but to melt on the spot. 

She watched on in awe of the way his shoulders and back flexed beneath his sweater, at the sheer bulk of him now that he had been working out more frequently with Sannie, as he worked at opening the bottle. The sound of the cork popping free startled her, and he laughed as he poured the dark red wine into two glasses. 

He walked over to her. He sat beside her, turning to face her with one leg folded on the sofa. “Here, bunny,” he said, one glass outstretched toward her. 

“Thank you, star,” she murmured, letting her fingers brush over his own as she took the glass from him. His cheeks dusted with a stunning pink, and it was her turn to be smug. “Like the name, Hwa?”

He cleared his throat, took a sip of his wine. “It’s cute,” he mumbled. 

Whatever she was going to say next was interrupted by a knock on her door. She stood, wine being placed on the coffee table, and walked over to answer. Behind the door stood Woo and Sannie, Yunho joining them mere moments later. “Hey, honey!” Yunho beamed at her, eyes gorgeous crescents as he pushed past the other two to pull her into a hug, the bag in his hands rustling as it came into contact with her back.

She sighed happily into the softness of his cardigan, but pulled back to look up at him, chin on his chest. His hair was unstyled and tousled, looking soso soft. Her fingers played with the silver necklace that fell down his chest, lifting onto her toes to nuzzle her nose into the tempting notch between his collarbones. 

“You’re cold,” she mumbled, pouting. “You should have worn a jacket, Yunnie.”

Yunho chuckled, held the back of her head to leave a soft kiss on her forehead. “I’m alright, honey.” He murmured, his voice a low rumble in her ear. “You can snuggle me until I’m warm again, right?”

Wooyoung scoffed from behind Yunho. “Move out of the way, you overgrown puppy,” he whined. “It’s cold out here.”

Yunho laughed, but lifted her off the ground to walk the both of them out of the entryway. 

“I didn’t mean with her,” Wooyoung huffed. But his tone was playful, and when she caught his gaze over Yunho’s shoulder, he winked. 

San stepped in behind him, and they toed off their shoes together. Sannie was wearing a fuzzy white sweater that made him look so soft and cuddly she wanted to pull him right into a snuggle. The white gave his tan skin a glorious glow, even in the not-so-great lighting of her new home. 

Youngie looked his opposite in a dark grey fuzzy cardigan, black shirt, and dark denim jeans. The hoops in his ears and the necklace around his neck sparkled as he stepped further inside, and he looked gorgeous. Even more so when he caught the way she was looking him over, puckering his lips at her and flashing a smile that consumed his whole face. 

She really loved that smile. How he smiled and laughed and expressed joy with his whole being. How he glowed with it and always tried to share it with those around him, especially those he cared about deeply. 

Yunho sat on the sofa next to Seonghwa, trying to coax her into straddling his lap. She laughed, pushed at his chest and arms until he gave her the space to settle herself sideways. Seeing the other two still hovering by the entry, she ushered them inside, adjusting the dress she had decided to wear for the occasion. 

There was a commotion, the sound of something slamming against the closed door, the knob rattling before finally twisting to allow whoever it was to enter.  Only a moment later, an embarrassed Mingi was stepping inside. It was hard to tell whether his cheeks and ears were red from the cold or from his own actions, but they made him all the more endearing regardless. The flush to his skin was made all the more obvious in contrast to the almost all black outfit he had decided to wear. The only other color she could see was white, and only in the brief pops from the collar of a button up and the stripes on the sweater vest she remembered watching Mingi and Hongjoong working together to distress to suit Mingi’s taste. A relatively large black jacket covered everything up and a black bucket hat covered his now blond hair, hiding the fact that it was at an awkward stage of regrowth from having cropped it short for an experiment with some bleach and pink dye. 

“Baby,” she said at the same time that Wooyoung laughed out a “Mangi,” and the room burst into laughter that had his shoulders hitching up and a bashful grin coming to his face. 

Her eyes trailed further down his figure as he stepped out of his boots to walk further inside, and she pouted. “Mingi, it is below freezing outside. Why the hell are there rips in your jeans?” Her pout softened as he came closer and she saw that what looked to be bare skin from a distance was just skin-colored fabric with a fishnet overlay. He looked great in the outfit, but she would be incredibly upset if he were freezing just to be able to wear it in the winter time.

He didn’t say anything back, instead stepping closer and bending down to kiss her cheek, the cold metal frame of his glasses pressing against her skin.

 She turned his head to rub her nose against his, gaze trailing his face appreciatively, coming to land, finally, on his eyes. “Are you wearing eyeliner?” she asked, skimming her thumb over beneath his eye. 

“Like it?” Mingi asked, low voice soft, almost shy. 

“Love it, baby. Looks so good on you.” She giggled when her words had his teeth on full show, plush lips spread in a smile so big that his eyes nearly disappeared. 

Wooyoung whined as he walked closer. “What about mine?” he asked, pushing Mingi away to lean down into her space. 

Mingi scoffed, Yunho’s laughter shook her lightly, but she ignored them in favor of cupping Wooyoung’s cheeks in her hands, tilting his face this way and that to get a good look at his makeup. Smoked out eyeliner lined his pretty eyes and there was a pretty shimmer on his cheekbones and nose. “Your highlighter looks so pretty, Youngie,” she said. 

His eyes crinkled, that big grin on his face again. “Joongie said I should try it,” he said.

“He was right, as usual.” She smiled up at him, letting her thumb brush just under the shine of the makeup before she glanced over at the last person standing. “Sannie, what are you doing just standing there? Come over here.” 

“I see you and Hwa got started without us,” he said, coming to sit on the sofa next to her and Yunho, pulling her feet into his lap to massage lightly at her ankles and calves. 

“Hardly,” she huffed. “I didn’t even get to try it before everyone started showing up.”

Smiling when Mingi’s polish and ring decorated hand held the glass of dark red wine out, she took it from him and brought it to her lips. Her nose scrunched up when she finally took a sip, but she swallowed down what was in her mouth. “Guess I’ll keep with the cheap stuff after this.” 

Seonghwa laughed behind her, shifting closer to her and Yunho so that she could lean more into him without straining herself too much. She looked back at him in thanks and nuzzled briefly against his cheek. “You don’t have to finish it, bun,” Hwa said. “I bought the other one for a reason.”

“It isn’t bad,” she said. “I can drink it. I just won’t be choosing it in the future.” 

Though, depending on how the night went, she would likely have created a new happy memory, one filled with warmth and the lingering taste of the not-very-yummy wine in her mouth that would leave her craving it sometime in the future. As with other things linked to particularly good times in her life. Like a certain flavor of red bull she had before the best concert of her life or the cookies she baked for work one time that everyone praised to no end or that americano she had that first morning after staying the night at Yunho, Jongho, Wooyoung, and San’s apartment all those months ago. 

Rora took another sip of the wine as if to prove a point, and Hwa just laughed again, those eyes sparkling at her as he tucked some hair behind her ear. “Whatever you say, you stubborn little bunny.”

“Coming from you,” she mused teasingly. 

Pretty, glossy lips parted like he had something to say back. Instead, his tongue peaked out, swiping over his lower lip before the corners ticked up. Before she could get too flustered, her front door was being pushed open by a breathless Hongjoong, Yeosang and Jongho coming in behind him, looking much more relaxed than their older friend. 

“What’s wrong, Cap?” Wooyoung asked, amusement clear in his voice. 

She watched Hongjoong struggle out of his shoes, tripping as he tried his hardest to not step on the others’ shoes, the gift bag that had been dangling from his fingers falling to the floor. His eyes fluttered closed, and he took a breath. 

“Joongie,” she called out lightly. She sent him a concerned look when his lashes fluttered open and his eyes locked with hers. “You okay?”

He blew out another breath, brushing his fading orange hair back. “Got caught up on a project at the studio and thought I was late,” he said, pushing back the fabric of his jacket to stuff his hands in the pockets of his pants sheepishly. 

“You made it just in time,” she assured. “Now, get your coat off and get over here, Joongie!”

He chuckled as he stepped closer, sliding out of his coat to drape it over his arm and picking the bag up from the floor. He had on a brown, black, and white patterned cardigan over a cozy looking cream sweater that she was definitely going to have to steal from him in the near future. “How are you, love?” he asked, bending down to kiss the top of her head before settling in on the sofa behind Hwa. 

Jongho and Yeosang stepped further inside, and she looked between them for a moment before looking back at Hongjoong. “Did you three coordinate outfits?” She asked. She laughed when she looked closer at the gift bag now at Hongjoong’s feet, right in the bend of the sectional, looking exactly like the gold gift bags the two who had come in behind him were carrying. “Even the bags are the same.”

Joong rolled his eyes with a mock sigh of exasperation, and she giggled and turned back to the other two. Jongho looked so baby bear, she wanted to squeal. Tan coat and cozy brown sweater over a collared shirt, slim black pants drawing attention to those strong thighs she loved so much to sit on. Yeosang looked absolutely adorable next to him, in a fuzzy brown jacket and white turtleneck, darker brown headband covering messily styled red-tinted waves. 

She paused. Blinked. Gasped. “Sangie, your hair is red!” she exclaimed. She would have hopped right out of Yunho’s lap if he hadn’t wrapped a strong arm around her hips to keep her in place. Instead, she reached both arms out toward him, pleading at him with her eyes. “When did you get that done? Come here, baby. Let me see you.” 

Ignoring Mingi’s affronted huff at someone else being called baby (something he would apparently never get used to or get over), she pulled Yeosang down over San. Everyone laughed at Yeosang’s startled noise, at San grunting when his friend's hands landed a little too high on his thigh for comfort, almost smacking him where it would hurt the most. And once everyone settled back down, she tipped Sangie’s chin up. 

Yeosang simply looked at her, shy smile in place and pretty eyes shining adorably. Her thumb brushed over his birthmark before she let her fingers play with his hair. “Oh, baby, it looks so good.”

He giggled, cheeks going pink. “Think so?” 

He looked so cute, she couldn’t help herself. Lipstick be damned, she pulled him closer and kissed him right on the mouth. Sure, she ended up kissing his teeth for a moment, but as soon as he registered the change, he was kissing her right back and giggling against her lips. He pulled back, lips pouted and shiny and smudged with her lipstick. She laughed, wiping the smudges away, and he smoothed his thumb around her mouth to wipe away any smudges of her own. 

“You’re so fucking precious, Sangie,” Rora whispered. “I adore you so much.”

And he flustered all over again, letting San manhandle him into a spot beside him. With Yeosang out of the way, Jongho came over to her and plopped a kiss on her nose. “You’re the one who’s precious,” he said, ignoring the others as they poked fun at him for being cheesy. 

“Hi, bear,” she said, instead, blushing under his tender gaze, heart fluttering as he gave her that gorgeous gummy grin. 

“Merry Christmas, precious baby,” he murmured, kissing her lightly. 

She laughed even as her eyes felt teary. “It’s way past Christmas,” she said, blinking the moisture away. 

“Yeah, but we’re celebrating together today. It’s our Christmas.”

Her head tilted, and she melted against the two men holding her. “Yeah,” she murmured. “Our Christmas.”

“When did baby bear become such a romantic,” Yunho teased, jostling her forward so he could squeeze his youngest friend’s cheeks together in a large hand. 

Jongho rolled his eyes but let his friend do as he pleased, waiting for his hand to let him go before stepping back and finding his own place to sit on the sofa. 

Before long, they were eating food that had been in some of the bags Seonghwa had brought in, some takeout and some cooked by Wooyoung and Mingi earlier in the day. Everyone was chattering in between bites of food (everyone except Seonghwa, of course, who took eating as seriously as he took his job) and drinks of wine and whiskey. She was nursing a cup of eggnog with a just-a-bit-too-heavy pour of whiskey. She would blame it on one of the eight men, but this one was her fault entirely. She had always had an issue with heavy pours, and the cup of eggnog was no different. 

Wooyoung was standing, trying to walk by everyone without running into legs and feet too much. Maybe it was one too many refills of whisky, maybe it was the clumsiness that seemed to plague the whole friend group in one way or another. Regardless, he stumbled, almost dropping his thankfully empty glass.

She grabbed him by the arm, helping to steady him before he toppled over. Her brows furrowed when he hissed, when he winced away from her touch, concern setting in before any feelings of rejection could. “Did I hurt you, Youngie?” she asked, pulling her hands into herself, clasping them together in front of her chest. “I’m sorry.”

“No - well, yeah” he said, squatting down in front of her with a reassuring smile on his face. “You did. But you couldn’t have known, sweetheart.”

Rora frowned.

He laughed softly, cupped his hands around her cheeks. “It isn’t anything bad, promise.” He paused, looking away from her to look at his friends around them. They had all stopped whatever they were doing to watch them, and he shrunk under their eyes. “It’s - uh -” he cleared his throat. “It was going to be my gift for everyone,” he explained sheepishly, fingers working at sliding his arm out of the sleeve of his cardigan.

She watched as his skin was slowly revealed, as he twisted his arm, palm up, to show off the black ink now on his arm. A rose, done in a style that was just so Wooyoung. “Oh, Youngie,” she breathed, looking over his face as he looked down at the fresh tattoo.

“It’s a rose with 8 lives,” he explained, expression soft and so full of love and longing and adoration. “Me with my eight lives, my eight people.” His thumb rubbed just under where the roots twined neatly into an infinity symbol. “Forever.” 

“It’s so beautiful,” she whispered, grabbing his wrist, pulling him closer to trace around the still irritated skin of his forearm. “You’re so beautiful, Youngie.”

“Not as beautiful as you, sweetheart,” he said, smiling up at her from the floor.

To stop herself from crying, she cleared her throat and looked around at the others. “Should we do gifts now, then?” she asked with a watery smile. 

As the eight men excitedly grabbed for the gifts they brought, she stood and walked over to her bed to grab the gifts there. Her hands were shaking again, and she was both glad and embarrassed when Jongho popped up next to her. If he noticed how terrified she was, he didn’t mention it. Instead, he held his hands out for some of the gifts, kissed her on the cheek, and walked over to the sofa where they were all sitting once again.

Rora picked up the rest of the presents, took a deep breath, and joined them. She blinked and suddenly there was a pile of gifts in front of her. All she could do was giggle at the obvious  nerves and excitement in their faces, the way they were all in various levels of bouncing in their seats. 

“One at a time, guys,” she said. “Let’s exchange them, one at a time.” Having something to focus on (re: holding a gift, something that she could fiddle with) would make it easier for her to handle the anticipation of their reactions to her gifts. 

At her suggestion, they all grabbed their gifts back. Except for Woo. She watched as he watched everyone, cackling at their disappointed pouts. She handed him his gift first. “Youngie first, since he already shared his gift.”

“Fuck yeah!” he exclaimed, sticking his tongue out at the others as he took the gift from her. He held it for a moment, looking at the box, fingers running along the edges and folds of the paper before ripping right into it and popping open the box the gift was in. 

It wasn’t much, just a pair of dark denim jeans that had reminded her of him, that she had taken to Hongjoong to ask for help on Woo-ifying. She snuck a glance over at the group-proclaimed father of them all, stifling a giggle at his proud expression. But her attention was quickly brought back to Woo when he let out a loud gasp. “All of the movies?!” he exclaimed, looking at her, face positively beaming as he held up the box containing the full 8-movie collection of his favorite movie that she had buried beneath the denim. 

Next to him, Mingi sat there, looking like a sad, lost puppy. He looked big next to Woo, thick legs spread, gift bag perched precariously on one thigh, arms crossed over his chest. But his lips were pouted out and his eyes were big and sparkly, and she decided to take mercy on him next. “Mingi baby,” she called softly, holding his gift out to him. 

He brightened immediately, grinning big as he grabbed the small bag she offered him and gave over the one he was holding. She watched him, both hands holding her gift in her lap, as he shifted the tissue paper to the side and pulled out a small box. As he opened it up, as his face went soft and those big, sparkly eyes were on her again. He smiled, bit his bottom lip. He looked away only to pull the jewelry from its box and wrap it around his neck. She had gotten the necklace because it reminded her of him, all chunky silver chain and a big black heart with a web of silver fighting to encase it. One that had hung a little on her collar when she tried it on for herself. But it looked little more than a choker on him. And it looked fucking good on him. 

After he got it hooked on, he smiled at her again. He opened up the card she had alongside the box next, making a noise when a piece of paper fell out and landed on his lap. A printed off qr code. He looked at her, brows furrowed in confusion, and she just laughed. “It's a playlist,” she said. A playlist of songs he had shown her, that she had shown him, that reminded her of how he made her feel. But she didn’t tell him that. Too shy to say it and too tongue tied by the way he was staring at her. 

His expression softened, eyes went warm with the small smile on his face, those gorgeous dimples on display. Then, he nodded at her to start opening the bag in her hands. Carefully pulling out the tissue paper, she comes across a box. Long and a sleek black that indicated a certain level of luxury that she was trying hard not to cringe about. She opened the box and nearly gasped. There, nestled in a velvet bed, was a similar necklace (well, technically two necklaces) to the one she had gotten Mingi. Smaller, more delicate, the chain longer so that it would dangle over her chest. A sword going right through the middle of a dark red heart.

“It’s beautiful, Mingi,” she murmured. She fumbled with the clasp, bringing the two chains around her neck. 

“D’you want help, honey?” Yunho chuckled, fingers already replacing hers on the jewelry.

“Thank you,” she said softly, holding the little heart between her fingers as it dangled down her chest. 

Her eyes went back to Mingi, and she was across the sofa before she could even stop herself. Hands cupping his cheeks, she slotted her lips against his in a breathless kiss. One after another until he was giggling and his cheeks were extra warm under her touch. She pulled away only after pressing a kiss to his nose, and she plopped right back in her spot beside Yunho. 

“Your turn?” she asked, looking at the tallest member of the group. 

He grinned when she handed him the wrapped box with his name written on it, and he handed her gift over in exchange. She held the bag in her lap, waiting like she did with the previous one, for him to open his first. Watched as he excitedly ripped open the paper until the product box was in full view. He was more careful opening the box, looking at her with puppy eyes when he ripped one of the cardboard flaps that didn’t want to open easily for him. Like he expected her to scold him or be upset about a little rip in a box. 

She smiled, shook her head when he focused back on the box. Watched as he finally got it open. As he finally turned what was inside over and the glorious smile took over his face again and he lifted it up to show it off to the room. It was a metal poster, one of Spiderman with a comic book design behind him. His excitement made her feel like her insides were encased in bubbles, and all she could do was laugh through the feeling. 

“There’s more,” she said. “Look in the card.” 

Yunho giggled when he found the piece of paper in the card. He held it up, brightly colored and made as cute and as well as she could. “A coupon?” he asked, eyes as bright as the smile that still had yet to fall from his face. “For me to whisk you off on a trip anytime in March?” 

She nodded, and he laughed. At her confused look, he said, “Open your gift, honey.”

Inside the gift bag she found a little puppy plushie and an envelope. She squeezed the plushie to her chest as she opened the envelope and fished out whatever was in it. Aquarium tickets. For an aquarium that was by no means close. And in March. 

She blinked at Yunho in disbelief, but couldn’t help the excited giggle that bubbled up her throat. 

“It was the latest they would let me purchase tickets for, but it seems it worked out in my favor.”

“Well, now I have a more exact time to tell my boss when I ask for the time off,”she murmured, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “I’m excited already.”

“Me too.” He hummed, turned his head to pull her into a quick kiss that was so tender she sighed.

When he pulled back, she reached for the next gift. 

“Sannie,” she announced after reading the name written on it. 

San bounced up from his spot on the sofa to kneel in front of her. He was practically vibrating with excitement when they traded gifts and wasted no time tearing the tissue paper from the bag. After a noise from Seonghwa, San sheepishly gathered the paper into a semi-tidy pile. Then, he was pulling everything out. He grinned as he held up the bag of cat treats and the toys for Byeol. 

As the bag of the treats crinkled, Teddy came prancing over, meowing like he hadn’t been fed in days. The room burst into laughter and coos, and Sannie patted the kitty’s little head as he started purring and rubbing against the treat bag. 

Rora sputtered as San started tearing the bag open. “Those are for Byeol, Sannie,” she pouted. 

“It’s fine, darling,” he reassured, tearing it open and leaving the plastic scrap in the tissue paper pile. “It’s just one treat. It’s not like Byeolie’s gonna know.”

She huffed out a laugh and watched as San got out a treat. As he held it between his fingers and Teddy sniffed it, rubbed his little face against San’s fingers. The treat fell into San’s palm before he let the kitty eat it, stroking a hand down his back. The cat crawled up San’s front. Laughing, San settled cross-legged on the floor, letting him climb into his lap and right back up his front, rubbing his little head along his chin and jaw. Trying to butter him up with affection in hopes for another treat. San just laughed, low and warm, and his eyes soft as they looked at her. 

“There’s still more, ” she said, twisting her hands in her lap. Yunho noticed, wrapping his hand over the both of her own. She smiled at him then turned her attention back to San. 

“I know, darling,” San said, leaning up to kiss her when she pouted at him. “Can’t just not give Teddy attention when he’s being so cute.” She pouted more, and he chuckled. “Okay, okay.”

He sat back down, still petting Teddy as he reached for the gift bag again. Rolled up as tightly as she could get it was a soft sweater that maybe she bought just to have more soft clothes to steal from him. There was a folded piece of paper pinned to it, though, and San read it aloud. “Wear this to our date.” He looked at her confused, but before she could indicate for him to open it up, the paper nestled inside fell on Teddy’s back. There, all cute and colorful, was yet another little coupon that she had made. 

“You mentioned wanting to go stargazing, so why not go together sometime?” 

“My sweet girl,” he murmured. His expression was so soft as he looked up at her, those gorgeous dimples on show, eyes shining like they might be filling with tears or stars or the entire fucking universe.  “Thank you, darling.” 

Oh, she was going to melt if he kept looking at her like that. Become a puddle of goo right between Yunho and Seonghwa. So, she shook her head and pushed past him to reach for the next gift. As her fingers brushed the wrapped box, San gripped her chin lightly, tilting her face to his. He clicked his tongue like he might start scolding her, but then he pouted playfully and pulled her closer to press a barely there kiss to her lips. 

“You’re going to melt me into a puddle, Sannie, and all the others are gonna be mad at you,” she whined, squeezing his shoulders, kneading at the hard muscle built up there. 

He laughed, his breath fanning over her cheek. “I just love you so much,” he said. And when he leaned back out of her space, she almost didn’t want him to go. Wanted him to say it all over again. Wanted to press kisses all over his face, over every inch of his skin as he did. Right there, all the others be damned. She didn’t think she would ever get used to him saying that to her, though it wasn’t a particularly new development in their relationship. Sannie had never been shy about expressing his love to his friends, and he extended that to her very quickly into their relationship. 

“Give her a break, Sannie,” Wooyoung finally spoke up, cackling endearingly. “She looks like she’s about to burst into flames.” 

She whined at them both, pushing San away from her to look very pointedly at the rest of the gifts on the table. Thankfully, he swayed to the side and stayed there. Giving her space to pick up the carefully wrapped box that she knew was Yeosang’s. 

“Sangie, baby.” She sat upright, turning on the sofa to look at him around Seonghwa. 

He leaned forward cutely, eyes gleaming with excitement and pretty grin on his face. She handed over his gift, and Seonghwa grabbed the bag Yeosang brought, handing it to her when Sangie’s attention was centered on the box in his hands. Yeosang looked up, confused. But when everyone waved for him to continue, he started unwrapping it. He was careful with it, ripping the paper only when his hand gave a particularly harsh tremor. She couldn’t help but coo when he pouted about it. 

“Oh!” he exclaimed, holding the garment box open. He turned to her, still all big gleaming eyes and pretty white teeth as he smiled at her. 

Her heart swelled as he turned back to the gift. As he pulled it out of the box, rubbing his fingers against the fabric, eyes going soft. It was a ribbed, long-sleeve shirt. Soft and such a pretty green, and she just knew he would look glorious wearing it as soon as she saw it in the store. His head tilted when he lifted the shirt out the rest of the way and found something tucked away beneath it. A small bag containing some hair accessories she wanted desperately to thread into his grown-out hair. 

He surprised her out of her thoughts when he jerked at the zipper of his jacket and started pulling it off. Already reaching for the bottom of his white shirt before anyone was able to speak up. “What are you doing, Yeo?” Sannie asked, amused. 

“Wanna wear it now,” Yeosang said matter-of-factly, pulling the shirt up before the words were even out of his mouth. 

She swallowed, wanting to look away but unable to as his torso was exposed to everyone in the room. All those muscles and that smooth skin. She gripped the bottom hem of her dress to keep her hands to herself, watching his face instead as he pulled her gift on over his head. Sure, it clashed with his now red hair, but it still looked amazing on him. Especially with how he was smiling down at it, running his hands over his arms. 

“Like it?” she asked. 

He nodded, raised cheeks dusted with a pink that looked lovely against the green of the shirt. His fingers absentmindedly played with the zipper as he tried to decide whether to zip it up or leave it down. He left it open, but when he let it go, the zipper was poking outward. She had to work hard to contain her amusement when he turned to look at her. Cute. So fucking cute. At that moment, she completely understood Wooyoung and San - she wanted nothing more than to take a bite out of him. 

Clearing her throat, she looked around at the last three. “Does the baby wanna go next or do the parents?” she asked teasingly. 

Hongjoong rolled his eyes, but smiled nonetheless. “You’re literally the oldest person in this room,” he teased right back. He settled back into the sofa, arms crossed over his chest. “I’ll go last.”

Rora looked between the other two who took their time, seemingly sizing each other up. Seonghwa sighed, leaned further back into the sofa. “Let baby bear go next.”

Jongho huffed, but couldn’t stop the way the corners of his lips curved upwards. 

Sannie, still seated on the floor, was the one to exchange the gifts for her. His upper body turned, broad shoulders looking extra broad as they pushed the limits of his sweater, and he grabbed the little bag from the youngest’s hands. Jongho’s lips parted, but the protest died in his throat. Instead, he sighed, letting San grab it and hand it off to her. He caught her eye, rolled his, but smiled nonetheless when San gave him the bag she had written his name on. 

The tissue paper was pulled out, handed over to a very confused Mingi. But when Jongho just laughed, Mingi just smiled and held on to it. 

She watched as he pulled out the folded fabric, then the other one. Identical except for the obvious bulge of something hidden inside. He unfolded the fuzzy brown hat, taking in the little bear ears sitting on top. He cocked a brow at her. 

“Couple hats,” she said. She tilted her head, giggled, batted her lashes at him in the way that always made him gush about how cute she looked when they were alone. He flustered before clearing his throat. The other hat was quickly unfolded and the object nestled inside finally allowed to roll out. A glass apple figurine that she had seen while browsing through a thrift shop. 

She was reminded of a video Wooyoung and San had shown her one time, of Jongho splitting apples in half while singing. While his singing was beautiful, she was more caught on how he was splitting the apples. With his bare hands. At the time, she had been stuck between admiration and arousal. Admittedly, she still was because it was so fucking hot just how strong he was. 

But now, watching as he finally stopped trying to mask his reaction. As his face crumbled in on itself with the force of his smile, eyes nearly closed, teeth and gums on full show - she felt absolute adoration. 

“Someone told you about the apples,” he stated. 

“Showed me a video and everything.” Her teeth found her bottom lip, and she saw as his eyes flickered down to catch the movement. Saw his brow ticked up, tongue wetting the corner of his mouth. 

Rora looked away, to the gift San had handed her earlier. The bag was small. Light. She couldn’t even guess what Jongho might think to get her for a gift. 

“Open it, precious,” Jongho urged softly.

Wetting her bottom lip, she dug out the little box in the bottom. It was a plain black box, cardboard. Pulling the lid off, she found a necklace. A chain, one she was almost certain she had seen him wearing before. On that chain was a key. 

“Jongho,” she breathed, looking up at him again. “Bear, what-?”

His tongue peeked out, and he smiled. It was shaky, nervous. But his eyes were steady, certain. “Well,” he started, leaning forward to brace his elbows on his knees. “Our leases are all ending really soon, and I figured you should have unlimited access to at least one of the new places.”

“And you decided it should be yours, huh, bear?” she asked teasingly. 

“With the permission of my roommates,” he said. She arched her eyebrow in question, and he smiled. “Wooyoung and Hongjoong.”

She looked at both of them, and she grinned when they both nodded. 

“I’ll be sure to use it, then,” she said. “If you don’t live too far away now, that is.” 

“Still walking distance,” Yunho said. 

Wooyoung made a noise. “This coming from the man that takes casual two plus hour walks.”

Yunho’s ears went red, and she laughed, patting his thigh comfortingly. “I’d be more than willing to walk two plus hours to see you,” she said. “But it would be nice if it was within 20 minutes. Or I can just become someone’s permanent passenger princess.”

Everyone’s hands came up and they all started talking over each other. Jongho watched his friends in amusement. She turned to see Hongjoong just sitting there, waiting for them to calm down. “Turns it is,” she mused. 

“I can be first, though, right?” Wooyoung asked. Despite San and Mingi’s very loud protests at the idea and Yeosang trying to push him to the side, he stared at her, lips pushed out in an absolutely devastating pout, brows furrowed and eyes big. “Since - since I met you first and everything?” 

He pushed San away at his indignant noise and renewed protests that he had met her at the same time as Wooyoung. 

“Sure, Youngie,” she sighed, giggling when he leapt from the sofa with a cheer. As he continued cheering and rubbing his perceived win over the others, she caught sight of Seonghwa. He looked tense, sitting upright and his hands balled into fists on his thighs. Rocking. Eyes wide as they took in the room until they stopped on her. “What’s wrong, star?” she asked.

He shook his head, loose white strands of hair falling from under his hat to further frame his face. “Just ready to give you my gift,” he said, his sock-covered feet tapping against the little silver bag sitting between them. 

His words seemed to quiet everyone down. San sat down beside Wooyoung, cuddling up to him as if to apologize for protesting against him earlier. So, she reached for Seonghwa’s gift on her own and handed it over. 

Admittedly, it was the largest of all the gifts. But as she looked around, all she could see was anticipation and happiness. With a sigh of relief, she took the little silver bag when Seonghwa offered it and urged him to open his gift. He ripped the paper from the top of the box, excited eyes looking up at her when he got the first glimpse of what was beneath. 

“Lego?” he asked, practically vibrating as he sat there, looking between her and the box in his hands. 

“Mhm!” she hummed. “It had been a while since you were last able to build any, so I thought buying you one might get you a step closer to being able to.”

He peeled the rest of the wrapping off the box. “This one looks fun,” he said, giggling excitedly. “Will you help me build it?”

“You want me to?” She was touched, her heart melting in her chest at him just asking. The thought that he was willing, that he wanted to share his biggest hobby with her. 

“Of course, bunny,” he said, pulling her into a hug. 

The embrace was awkward, with the Lego box in the way and a bag balancing in her lap, but she wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled into his neck anyway. “I would be happy to, Hwa,” she murmured. 

He squeezed her tight, arms around her shoulders until she whined. Chuckling, he let her go. “Open your gift, sweets.”

Inside, beneath the tissue paper, she saw a silver box nestled on top of a neatly folded garment of some kind, but it looked nice. Delicate, like fine mesh. She ignored it in favor of the box. Another jewelry box. When she opened it up, she released a soft “oh”. Inside was a bracelet. Maybe an anklet? Either way, it was adorable. Absolutely precious. Delicate silver chain and opal with a silver bow charm, a smooth opal heart dangling underneath that. “It’s so pretty,” she said, sending him a grin.

Pride was written all over his face, lips twisted up smugly. Any other day, she would roll her eyes, the others would make jokes and tease. Instead, everyone just smiled and she held the box out to him. 

“Wanna wear it?” he asked, already working the jewelry from the cushioning and sliding to the floor in front of her. His fingers tapped lightly on her knee before his hand smoothed down her calf. Her foot was lifted right off the floor, and he clasped the anklet around her ankle quicker than she could feel embarrassed. Lips pressed to the skin over where the chain rested, to her knee, the top of her thigh. A sharp nip, a soothing lick. 

“Seonghwa,” she warned breathlessly. 

He laughed, fingers smoothing over the red mark he left. “Sorry, bunny.” He didn’t sound in the slightest bit sorry. “You’re just so biteable.”

Rora pushed him away with her foot on his chest. Usually, he would wrap his pretty, slender fingers around her ankle. Yank her down or slip up between her thighs to start something neither of them would be able to stop. Today, he took mercy on her and found his spot beside her again. 

She took that rare moment to reach back inside the bag for the garment. It was soft to the touch. Smooth. It unraveled to show a long-sleeved shirt. Quite sheer. Off-white and blue and green and other colors blended beautifully into a graphic of happy angels flying through the clouds. 

“It’s gorgeous, Hwa,” she said, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “Thank you.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw. “I can’t wait to wear it.” 

“Can’t wait to see it on you,” he murmured back, gripping her jaw lightly to angle her head for a quick kiss. 

Warmth bubbled away in her chest as she gathered the last gift and turned to the last man to receive their gift. Hongjoong slid forward on the sofa, turning to look at her around Yunho. She smiled and pushed the bag into his hold. 

Her knee bobbed up and down as she watched him pull out the tissue paper. An envelope. He flipped it open, pulling out the two thick pieces of paper inside. 

“You got tickets?” He looked at her almost in awe before her favorite big grin took over his expression. Pretty teeth all on show and eyes squinting. “Holy fuck, you got tickets!” If he were standing, she was sure he would be jumping around like an excited squirrel. 

It hadn’t been much of a fight to get them, really. And they didn’t cost nearly as much as she thought they would. But when she had gotten an announcement that the band Hongjoong had been telling her about just that same day, she knew she had to take a look. Much to her surprise, they had a stop only a few cities away. It was a sign from the universe. It had to be. 

The money was leaving her account before she could second think it, and the tickets were in her mailbox a week later. 

He carefully put the tickets back in the envelope, placing it on the coffee table almost reverently. Then, he was dragging out the last thing in his gift bag. A stone washed sweatshirt that she had bought with the intention of revamping. Giving a little extra life and personality. 

The hoodie was distressed in places. So, she distressed it some more, added layers of fishnet and plaid from an old red flannel at the cuffs and along the bottom. Patches and buttons littered one side of the chest and a smiley face similar to the one in his tattoo was painted on the front, white paint dripping down as if the face were melting or had been spray painted on.

It wasn’t the best job - Hongjoong would have done a far better job but - 

She cut off her own thoughts with a shake of her head, looking down at her lap as she played with the skirt of her dress. “There’s no one like you, and I wanted you to have a gift as unique as you are.” She ignored that she was heavily influenced by other things, because really, she had mostly been inspired by him. By his style. 

She swallowed, looked up at him. And she almost burst with relief. 

He seemed to like it, holding it to his chest and grinning at her. “When did you even have the time to do this?” he asked, brows high on his forehead, nearly disappearing under his hair. 

She giggled. “Youngie snuck me into your studio when you were out once. But mostly it was while I was working on the other gifts. I just waited until you were too busy to notice me working on yours.” Her head tilted, cheeks warm, feeling squirmy under the intensity of his warm gaze. “D’you like it, Joongie?”

“Love it, pretty girl.” He leaned over Yunho, hands on the other man’s strong thigh to balance himself. Breath fanning her face, lips brushing her ear, he invaded her space. “Love you,” he murmured. Like it was a secret. Like it was only meant for her to hear. Like everyone in the room hadn’t ever heard him say it or hadn’t said it themselves in one way or another themselves. 

Regardless, Rora blushed. She turned her head to catch his mouth with a kiss of her own. Just a soft peck, but enough (she hoped) to get her own feelings across. The kiss lingered, their lips reluctant to part, and she tilted her head, slid the tip of her nose along his cheek. “You’re cute,” she murmured against his cheek, leaving a teasing little bite that had a small noise escaping his throat. Nuzzling his ear, she said, “Love you, Joongie.”

It was his turn to go red, eyes looking around the room to notice all the others watching them. Hongjoong cleared his throat, settled back in his seat. “Gonna wear it to the concert,” he said. He cleared his throat again and pulled a jewelry box from his pocket, eyes looking everywhere except for her even as he handed it to her. “And you should wear this.”

She felt his eyes finally land on her as she took it from him and slid it open. Her breath hitched in her throat at the delicate ring nestled inside. Her head snapped up, gaze flitting around the room, to each of their hands, where they all wore a very similar ring. Each with the slightest difference from the others, changed so that it would fit each person. Her eyes found Hongjoong again, and she thought she just might start crying. 

“D’you like it, love?” he asked, tone just that slightest bit of teasing that she laughed even as tears wet her lashes.  

Rora sniffled. Nodded. Tucked her hands (and the jewelry box) into her chest because they were trembling so badly with the new flood of emotions she was scared she would drop it. 

Yunho cooed at her, hands under her arms as he pulled her up over his lap and into Hongjoong’s arms. Her dress rode up as she straddled his lap, but she ignored it. Focusing instead on the feeling of his hands rubbing up her thighs then up her back. “It’s beautiful, Joongie,” she whispered, looking down at the ring again. 

Her bottom lip trembled, and the floodgates opened before she could stop them. Hongjoong hushed her, pulled her into him, hand on the back of her head, and she was sobbing. Right into his neck, soaking the collar of his sweater. Probably staining it. Probably ruining the makeup she took so long perfecting. 

“These better be happy tears, pretty” he cooed in her ear, pressing kisses to her jaw. Her cheek. Her temple. 

She nodded, swallowing the next sob before it could escape. “I don’t know why I’m crying,” she gasped out, squeezing him tighter to her. 

A chuckle rumbled right from his chest, sending vibrations and warmth through her system. “That’s okay,” he soothed, rubbing circles on her back. 

Breathe. She needed to breathe. To stop crying. But that was hard to do when she felt so happy. So warm and safe and surrounded by love. That she could have it and would have it still in the new year. 

“I’m so lucky,” she said through sniffles. Sitting up in Hongjoong’s lap and wiping at the tears on her face to look around at the men crowding her sofa. “I’m so fucking lucky. What did I do to deserve to know you? Any of you?” 

“I ask myself that every day,” Mingi said. 

He unfolded himself from his seat, walking over to drop to his knees in front of Yunho. The others took this as a cue, crowding in as close as possible. Hugging each other as those closest hugged her. It was hot, too hard to breathe with all the bodies trying to take up such a small amount of space and so many different perfumes fighting for dominance. It was awkward. But it was perfect, and she embraced it. Embraced them - all eight of them - right back. 

[dudadragneel]

Hello, guys! It's me!

How are you?

Finally, it's done! Enjoy, my children

Oh, and I hope you like the little steamy part 🙃😉

He gets carsick during a trip to y n's house and when they arrive there it gets worse. Y/n takes care of him together with the members. He has a high fever during 2 nights and wants to cuddle y/n all the time. He sleeps a lot too. It was more than carsickness.

A TIRING TRIP

Vacations are around the corner and you and the boys had decided to go to your summer house to spend some quality time together. You'd agreed that you would go first to make sure the house was clean and ready, even though they insisted on helping you.

You went to the grocery store to buy everything you'd need, because you didn't really want to go out and just stay in the house, enjoying the pool, games, relaxing, sleeping, especially since the weather was nice with sunny and rainy days.

The boys rented a van to go there and they'd switch between two drivers, Lee Know and Chan, since they were the oldest of the group and had volunteered.

Hyunjin went in the first backseat row with Changbin and Felix, while Lee Know went in the passenger's seat next to Chan, who was driving first and Seungmin, Jisung, and Jeongin went in the last row.

- Kids, did you get everything?

- Yes.

- Then let's go!

Chan started the car and so the trip to your house started.

They were really excited about having some time off and fun altogether before they went home to meet their families.

The trip started pretty well, with music blasting, and lots of laughs but Hyunjin started to feel off a few minutes later. He had woken up with an eerie feeling that something was off and was going to happen but decided to ignore it. But he would soon find out his misery was only starting.

As the drive went by, Hyunjin started to doze off every now and then. A sharp pain on his head would appear from time to time but he associated that with the loud noises inside the car since the other members were really hype.

However, more weird symptoms started to appear. He broke in cold sweats, feeling cold and hot at the same time but when he touched his arm to check his temperature, it felt cold to the touch, almost as if his blood pressure had gone down, but he wasn't exactly feeling faint.

He drank a bit of water and opened the window to get some fresh air, hoping he'd feel a little better.

But it didn't work. He broke into cold sweats again but now his stomach started acting up, it gurgled quietly sending queasy burps up his throat, which he muffled with his fists. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, maybe sleeping again would help and he'd feel better once he woke up.

He managed to doze off again, but then a bump on the road broke his peace and that's when things started to get bad.

They entered an area with a rather bumpy road and he couldn't sleep again, all the swinging and jumping of the car were making him queasy. He felt his stomach twist with every move from the car, nausea building up slowly. He started to shift around in his seat trying to find a comfortable position to control the nausea and it caught Changbin's and Felix's attention.

- Hey, Hyune, is everything okay?

Hyunjin barely looked at them, afraid of moving and making his already unsettled stomach even angrier.

- I feel carsick...

He said closing his eyes again and muffling a queasy burp with his fist.

Chan who was still driving heard them talking.

- Hyune, do you want me to pull over?

- No...I'm fine.

- Sure?

- Yeah...I'll just sleep.

- Okay. Let me know if you feel like you're gonna be sick.

- hmm.

He just nodded and closed his eyes again, taking deep breaths while the wind hit his face, providing the tinniest of comfort.

But it didn't last long, the road was still rough and the nausea was getting stronger. His stomach twisted, and he could feel its contents sloshing around. He broke into a cold sweat again and started swallowing convulsively when he felt something creeping up his chest and his mouth started watering.

- Hyung, I don't think Hyunjin is feeling well...

Felix said as he saw the color drain from Hyunjin's face, making him pale as a sheet.

Lee Know turned around to assess the situation.

- Hyunjin, are you gonna throw up?

But the boy couldn't really answer and just nodded as he felt his stomach twist again, sending its contents up his chest until he felt it hit the back of his throat, the foul taste filling his mouth. He covered his mouth to suppress a wet burp followed by a gag.

Lee Know turned to Chan with worried eyes.

- Hyung, we should pull over.

- There's a shoulder ahead. Hang on, Hyune.

Chan sped up to reach the shoulder before Hyunjin could throw up inside the car.

Once the car came to a stop, the two oldest got out and went to the back. Hyunjin hurriedly opened the door and stepped outside, bending over and supporting his weight on his knees.

All it took was one wet gag and a thick stream of vomit gushed out of him hitting the ground with a sickening sound, making both Lee Know and Chan flinch in surprise before getting to his side.

- That's it. You're doing great, get everything out.

Chan said as he held Hyunjin's hair back and gently rubbed his back with Lee Know. That was when they realized how sweaty he was.

His stomach contracted again, not giving him time to catch his breath before making him lurch forward as another violent stream made its way out.

If it weren't for both Lee Know and Chan, he'd probably have fallen on the ground.

- Hyune, give me that hair tie on your wrist.

Chan asked, still holding the young boy's hair, and then proceeded to tie it.

Hyunjin felt a sudden wave of dizziness, his vision went blurry and he swayed on his feet. Chan and Lee Know were quick to tighten their grip on him and carefully guide him to sit down before he fainted. He was out for only a few seconds and that was enough time for the two oldest to feel how cold his skin felt, despite being so sweaty.

He regained consciousness, head pounding and ears ringing, sat up, and buried his head in between his knees.

- Hey, Hyune, how are you feeling?

- Still carsick... My stomach keeps flipping around...

He said, not dating lifting his head, so Lee Know decided to massage his nape to provide some comfort to the young boy. While he did that, Chan went back to the car to get some water so Hyunjin could rinse his mouth drink some and call you.

- Hey, y/n!

- Oh, Chan! Hey! How are you? Are you guys on the road?

- I'm fine. Yes, we are but we had a little setback...

- What happened?

- Hyunjin felt carsick and we're parked in a shoulder right now.

- Really? Did he throw up or just nausea?

- He threw up. Actually, he's throwing up right now.

- oh my god. Okay, there's a rest area before you reach the house, make a stop there so he can calm down and then come. I'll get things ready for him to rest.

- Okay. See ya.

- See ya.

Chan turned off the cell phone and went back to Hyunjin's side.

The boy was still sitting down, head ducked and spitting out thick saliva that kept accumulating in his mouth.

- Hey, how are you doing?

Hyunjin only nodded a "no" and spat out again. By now, the rest of the kids were out of the car, stretching their legs and clearly worried about him.

Lee Know could feel him shudder under his hand, Hyunjin grabbed his hyung's hand for comfort as he lurched forward, another stream of watery vomit splattering between his legs and thankfully not getting on his clothes.

Both Lee Know and Chan kept rubbing Hyunjin's back as his stomach got rid of even more content and after that, he was left dry heaving, and exhausted.

- Here. Rinse your mouth and take small sips.

- thanks...

He said weakly, grabbing the bottle with shaky hands, spitting out then drinking a bit, the cold sensation comforting his strained throat.

- Do you think you're good to get in the car?

- Just give me a minute...

- Take your time.

Chan kneeled beside him and massaged his nape while guiding him through some breathing exercises.

- thanks hyung...I feel a little better now...can you help me?

- Yes. Let's go.

Lee Know was already inside the car, he would be driving the last half to your house. Chan put his arms underneath Hyunjin's and slowly helped him, waiting a few seconds so the boy wouldn't get dizzy.

- You good? Feel like vomiting again?

- No...just a little dizzy...

- Okay. Let's go. You'll go in the passenger's seat, being able to see the road ahead will help with your carsickness.

Chan helped Hyunjin get in the car and buckled him up before sitting in the back.

- Hey, let me know if you feel sick again, okay? We're gonna stop at a rest area before getting to y/n's house but if you feel like you're gonna puke, I'll pull over again, okay?

- Yes, hyung...I'm sorry...

- Don't apologize. These things can happen. Y/n is waiting for you when we get there, they said they'd get everything ready so you could rest.

He quickly got his phone to thank you, to which you replied you were ready to take care of him, making him smile a bit.

Lee Know started the car and so the last half of the ride began, the kids in the back were still quite hyped for a few minutes and then they were asleep, just like children.

Hyunjin had his sunglasses on because apart from the nausea, he had an annoying headache and the sun wasn't really helping. He did his best to focus on the road ahead to keep his stomach from acting up again.

Lee Know would glance at him every now and then to check on him, he just wanted to get to your house so his dongsaeng could rest.

At first, sitting in the front was helping, there was less motion for his eyes to capture so his inner ear was balanced, which meant his nausea was somewhat under control. But he then made the worst decision.

He thought that maybe listening to some music would help him calm down a little more and distract himself until he got home. He picked up his earphones and grabbed his cell phone, and that was his mistake.

The moment his focus changed from the road to the phone, which meant he was looking at somewhere still, while the car was moving. That messed up his inner ear and his stomach flipped, sloshing around whatever it was he still had inside along with the water he had drank a few minutes ago.

He swallowed convulsively when he felt something rushing up his chest. He covered his mouth to suppress a queasy burp, that only made him aware of the foul taste inside his mouth. He squeezed his eyes in disgust and tried swallowing again, hoping he'd be able to hold it in until they got to the rest area, so he could go to an actual bathroom.

He shifted in his seat, turning his body to the side and wrapping his arms around his stomach as if that would keep everything in place.

Lee Know noticed the distress his dongsaeng was in and knew exactly what was about to happen so he sped up.

- Hang in there, we're almost there.

He said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.

Hyunjin could feel the foul taste in his mouth, and an air bubble trapped in his throat sent him over the edge. When he tried to burp, he ended up throwing up inside his mouth, making him able to feel every texture of food mixed with liquid. He squeezed his hand against his mouth, trying not to vomit all over himself and the car, and somehow managed to swallow. But that was the last straw, as soon as he swallowed his stomach immediately rejected it, contracting harshly making him gag into his hand.

- Shit!

Lee Know said, a sense of obvious urgency in his voice.

He entered the parking lot with perfect timing and as soon as he was parked, Hyunjin hurriedly opened the door stepping out of the car and Chan, with his father-like instincts, was already out to help the sick boy get to the bathroom.

And Hyunjin almost lost the battle against his stomach because as they walked to the bathroom, it contracted again sending hot liquid that he failed to hold, escaping through his fingers but thankfully Chan was quick to put his hands under his chin and catch it before it could soil the ground and Hyunjin's clothes.

Entering the bathroom, Hyunjin went straight into a stall, letting go of his mouth as vomit immediately escaped his lips hitting the toilet.

Chan rapidly washed his hands and went to Hyunjin's side, rubbing his back as a wet burp brought up even more putrid liquid.

- That's it, let everything out.

Hyunjin spat out thick saliva and a cough brought up what seemed to be the last of the content inside his stomach and he was left dry heaving over the toilet.

- Damn, this time was pretty bad, huh?

- I don't know what's happening, hyung...

- you're carsick. It'll get better once we get there, we're 5 minutes away now.

- Thank god...I can't handle this anymore...

- You good now? Do you feel like there's still something to get out?

- No...not really.

- then let's rinse your mouth and let's go.

Chan helped Hyunjin to the sink, making sure to keep an arm around him, sensing the boy could faint at any minute given how much he'd thrown up.

The oldest boy needed something to help Hyunjin's nausea because they still had a little bit of road ahead, so he called you.

- Hey y/n!

- Hey Chan! How's Hyune?

- Not so good. We're at the rest area and he's just thrown up again.

- Oh god.

- Do you have any tips on what we can do? So we don't need to stop again?

- Actually, I do! And I don't know why I didn't remember it before.

- What is it?

- Olives!

- Really!?

- Yes! Since they're citric, they can help with the stomach. It usually works immediately. If he's feeling afraid to eat, just give him a tablespoon of the liquid part.

- Okay, then! See you in a bit.

- Bye.

Chan bought a jar of olives and handed a tablespoon to Hyunjin, who accepted it, despite looking disgusted and apprehensive to invest anything at that point.

- Trust y/n. They know what they are doing.

- Okay.

Hyunjin took the spoon and swallowed the liquid, and just like you told Chan, the relief was immediate. He felt like a new person entirely.

- Woah.

- Feel better?

- Yes...

- Alright then, let's go.

Chan helped Hyunjin back to the car where they waited a few minutes until the kids finished shopping for more snacks.

The last bit to your house went on without any further incidents, thankfully.

Getting there you were already waiting for them at the porch and went down to help them with Hyunjin.

Lee Know helped Hyunjin get out of the car since the boy was feeling rather faint and you went to his side and wrapped your arms around him to guide him inside, him leaning most of his weight on you.

- You're lucky you're light babe, or we'd be on the ground now.

- I'm sorry...I feel tired...

- I know honey. Was it bad?

- Really bad.

- Oh baby, do you think you can eat something? I'm afraid you might faint, given how much you threw up.

- I guess so...the olive really helped. Thanks.

- happy to hear that.

You settled him on the couch and he was immediately knocked out then went to prepare some light food for him. While you did that, the boys took their bags to their bedrooms and went straight to the back of the house, where there was a pool and a big field.

After finishing you gently woke him up and noticed how exhausted he looked, his face was still a bit pale and he was still sweating a bit.

- Babe, here. Eat slowly okay? After that take a shower and then rest, alright?

- Okay.

He ate slowly like you advised and kept chatting with you, trying to get distracted from the discomfort he was still feeling in his stomach.

Once he was done he wanted to lay down but you prohibited him from doing that because it could make him nauseous again.

- you should stay seated, you need to let your body digest the food. If you lay down right now, it'll make you feel worse. why don't you go outside with the others? At least you can breathe some fresh air. I think that'd be good for you.

- If you're saying so, understood.

He said standing up and saluting you, getting a laugh.

Hyunjin went outside and sat down on one of the chairs, while a few of them were enjoying the pool.

He actually managed to laugh a little at Lee Know trying to learn how to swim, but he quickly controlled his reaction afraid of what Lee Know could do to him later.

Then Felix got out of the pool and sat by Hyunjin's side.

- Hey, how are you feeling?

- Better...a little queasy but better.

- That's good. Did you manage to eat?

- Yeah. Y/n cooks very well.

- That's true.

Felix went back into the pool and soon after you joined them, staying mostly with Hyunjin but also having fun with the others.

A few hours later, the weather changed, it was now windy, and the sky was grey so it was time to halt the activities and go back inside.

Hyunjin needed to take a shower but when he stood up from the chair, he noticed how weak he was, his legs almost gave up on him but thankfully you were by his side and wrapped your arms around him before he could fall.

- Hyune! You good?

You almost screamed, getting everyone's attention that quickly gathered around you.

- Yeah...I just felt lightheaded for a second...

- That light food definitely wasn't enough to compensate for what you vomited.

- But it was good.

- I'm glad you liked it. Now let's go inside before it starts to rain. And you need to take a shower.

Everyone was inside in the blink of an eye, dividing into teams to take a quick shower before the rain could turn into a storm with lightning. You laughed at the way they scattered around like scaredy cats.

You took Hyunjin to the bathroom upstairs, again he leaned most of his weight on you, still feeling lightheaded.

You turned on the water on the bathtub until it was lukewarm and had also bought a stool in case he wanted to take a shower instead of being in the bathtub.

- Here's a change of clothes, babe.

- Thanks.

- I'm gonna stay here, okay?

- No, you don't need to.

- You're lightheaded, Hyunjin. I won't have you passing out in the bathroom, it's far too dangerous.

- But it's embarrassing...

- Oh come on, babe. It's not like I've never seen you.

- Still...it's different...

- Okay, I'll turn around. Just call me if you feel sick again.

Hyunjin decided to get into the bathtub, not really wanting to trust his body to stand during the shower.

You kept staring at the blank wall in front of you, and even though he wasn't feeling well, your mind couldn't help but wonder and just the sheer thought made you blush until your ears burned. And then Hyunjin called you, bringing you back to reality, or making your thoughts wonder even more.

- Babe...

- Hm?

You said, not looking back to respect his privacy, and blushing even harder.

- Can you wash my hair?

For some reason he was feeling weaker by the second, maybe it was the heat of the water calming him down but it seemed like his strength was leaving his body and a wave of exhaustion was washing over him.

- Yes but...are you sure?

- Yeah. I'm covered up.

- O-okay.

For some reason, that sentence made your heart skip a beat, even though you've seen him before, something about it hit differently.

You made your way to the bathtub, positioned yourself behind him, and proceeded to gently wash his hair.

For him, it felt heavenly, your touch alone comforted him in ways you didn't even know, you were his safe place. He sunk into your touch as you gave him a gentle massage, and it took everything in his power to keep calm.

You intended to relax him after the ordeal of the car trip but little did you know that it was almost doing the complete opposite.

He then gently grabbed your hand as you massaged his shoulder, placing a soft kiss on it and then pulling you for a kiss. You could feel the heat coming from his face but didn't give it much thought, assuming it was from the bath or the kiss.

- Okay, naughty boy, finish your bath so you can rest.

You said giving another kiss and going back to your spot so he could have his privacy back.

- Okay.

He finished his bath and put on the change of comfy clothes you had gotten him.

- You can turn around now, I'm fully dressed.

You turned to face a flushed-faced boy with a towel on top of his head, looking cute and tired at the same time. And he was incredibly tired, so much so that when he walked in your direction he swayed to the side and you were quick to steady him.

- Alright, that's enough standing for you. You need to lay down, come on.

You took him to the bedroom and sat him down on the bed so you could dry his hair, leaving it soaked could be bad for his health.

He was so tired that as you dried his hair, and brushed it, he ended up falling asleep. Once you were finished, you gently lay him down on the bed, covering him with a light blanket before going downstairs to have dinner with the boys and make something for him to eat before going to bed later.

- hey y/n, how's he doing?

- He's sleeping right now. Thankfully nothing happened during the bath but he was really tired.

- Did he complain about his stomach again?

- No, not really, he was just lightheaded.

- Let's hope it was just carsickness. Oh, we made dinner.

- Thank you! But you didn't have to.

- You organized everything so we could come here, it's the least we can do.

- Well, it looks delicious.

- Most of it was Lee Know who made it. And Felix baked cookies.

- Woah! Thank you!

You had dinner with the boys, chatting about life, work everything. And after you were done eating, you cooked something light again so Hyunjin could eat before going to sleep.

When you got to the bedroom he was already sitting on the bed, still looking tired.

- Hey, how are you?

- Exhausted...what's that?

- Some light food I prepared. Lee Know cooked dinner but I figured your stomach wouldn't be able to handle it so I cooked something else.

- Thank you, honey.

You set the tray on his lap and sat beside him, covering yourself up as well.

- Can you feed me?

He asked with the most cute pleading eyes he could pull off with a pout.

- You- I can't with you, Hyune.

You said laughing and then giving a little peck before picking up the spoon.

- Say ah~

You forgot to close the door and right when you were doing that, Lee Know passed by. When his brain processed what he'd just seen he took one step back and just stood there looking at you with a disgusted face and left, making you both laugh. He loved teasing both of you.

After Hyunjin finished his meal, you went downstairs to wash the dishes and came up again with a bottle of cold water for him, since he needed to be hydrated. You sat beside him and put on a movie so he could digest the food before lying down to sleep but he was asleep in the first 20 minutes.

You waited a few more minutes before you gently nudged him awake so he could lay down and you lay down as well.

He was feeling so exhausted that he wanted you to be the big spoon, which you gladly accepted.

- Babe?

- Hm?

- Can you rub my back for me?

- Sure.

Just like before, your touch always made him feel comfortable and safe and that's everything he needed now. You gently rubbed patterns on it and you could feel him relax under your hand, and a few minutes later you were also asleep.

A few hours into the night, Hyunjin's body started to feel incredibly off. He broke into cold sweats, he was shivering as if someone had put the AC at 0°C, his whole body ached, and even the touch of the fabric of his clothes felt like it touching burned skin. No matter how much he covered himself, the shiver wouldn't stop and neither the cold would get better.

His head was throbbing, so much so he could hear and feel his heartbeat. His breathing became erratic and he was panting like he ran a marathon.

To add to his misery, his stomach was acting up as well, cramping and gurgling, as if making a statement he shouldn't have eaten, or even had gone out of the house.

It burned as if it had been lit on fire, both his stomach and his body. He tried taking deep breaths to regain control of his breathing but failed.

Then, his stomach cramped again, its contents sloshing around, rushing up his chest, a foul taste in his mouth now filling with saliva.

He started to swallow convulsively because he thought his body didn't have the strength to drag himself out of the bed and to the bathroom he was sure he'd pass out. He kept on swallowing, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white. He managed to survive the first wave but it only lasted seconds before his stomach cramped again, as if warning him he didn't have much of a choice.

Hyunjin felt something rush up his chest, and esophagus and hit the back of his throat, filling his mouth with a foul-tasting liquid and pieces of food.

He covered his mouth with his hand when a wet gag ripped through him and tried getting up as quickly and quietly as possible not to wake you, even though he wanted to.

He stumbled his way to the bathroom bracing the wall for support because he was sure if he didn't do that, he'd pass out.

He opened the bathroom door and quickly shut it behind him, reaching the sink, grabbing the edges for support and immediately vomiting a thick stream of undigested chunky food.

Before the next wave, he managed to move to the toilet before it gushed out of him getting on the edges before he could kneel as a sudden wave of dizziness hit him. He didn't know whether he wanted you there or if he wanted you to have a good night's sleep.

But it was too late. Since the house was extremely silent, you heard the sound of retching and something splashing in the water and jumped out of bed quickly realizing what was happening.

You knocked on the bathroom already making your way in and seeing Hyunjin vomit pale brown liquid into the toilet. You rushed to his said to hold his hair that was down before it got vomit on it.

- Oh baby...why didn't you call me?

- S-sorry...didn't want to wake you up-

He managed to say before gagging wetly followed by a queasy burp that brought another wave of vomit. You started rubbing his back and immediately noticed that the situation was a lot worse than you expected. As soon as you touched his back he winced and you could feel the heat radiating off of him through his clothes.

- Oh my god, babe, you are burning up.

- I-I really don't feel well...

He said defeated with a shaky voice, hesitantly lifting his head to look at you and your heart dropped when you took in the expression on his face. He looked like he was in unbearable pain, his face looked pale and flushed at the same time, his hair was considerably wet with sweat and he was breathing erratically.

- Babe, you might've caught a stomach bug.

He quickly turned his head back to the toilet as he felt another wave rushing up his throat, this time a rather harsh one, making his back arch and face go red from the strain.

- Oh baby...I'm so sorry this is happening to you. But you might feel better if you let everything out.

You said as you proceeded to rub his sweaty back, and again placing your hand on his forehead, still shocked with his body temperature.

- Babe, I'm really worried about your fever...

- it hurts... everything hurts...

You then heard soft knocks on the door before they were slowly opened, showing concerned faces from Chan and Lee Know.

- Is everything okay?

Chan asked getting closer to you with Lee Know following behind.

- No. He started throwing up again and he's burning up. Look.

Both Chan and Lee Know checked Hyunjin's forehead and were as shocked as you with the heat coming from him.

- I'll get the thermometer.

Chan said leaving Lee Know to help you with Hyunjin.

- I guess it wasn't just carsickness.

- Here.

Chan said giving you the thermometer.

- 39°C! That's too high!

Hyunjin who was resting his weight on your body, suddenly jerked forward, vomit escaping his lips before he could reach the toilet and getting on his clothes. You pat his back to help him through another thick wave of undigested food.

The sight made Lee Know and Chan grimace.

He spat out thick saliva before a wet burp brought up another mouthful of putrid liquid.

- Oh baby...

You said still rubbing his back and holding his hair.

After this round, he was left dry heaving over the toilet and you helped him lay his weight on you again. And it felt like he'd gotten worse during his rounds of vomiting, his body was scorching hot, face still pale and flushed, shivering and out of breath.

- I don't feel well...

That was all he managed to say before fainting due to the strain and high fever.

- Shit.

- Should we take him to the bedroom?

- It's best we help him get clean. And his fever is too high, we should bring it down.

They helped Hyunjin by holding his legs up, while his head rested on your thighs, in an attempt to get his blood circulation back to normal. And after 3 minutes, he woke up, confused with everything.

- Hey, how are you feeling?

- Weak and queasy...

- You have a really high fever, Hyunjin. We need to bring it down. And you need a new change of clothes. Come on, we'll help you.

Chan helped Hyunjin take off his clothes until he was left only with his boxers and settled him in the bathtub.

- I will turn on the water now okay? It'll be lukewarm.

- Ok...

He said, sounding as weak as he could be at that moment. He felt so exhausted you had to hold his head while Chan cleaned him with a wet cloth.

But even though he was barely conscious, he'd wince every time the water or the cloth touched his skin, because it felt like he had burn injuries all over.

Lee Know had gone out to get some medications and sports drinks for Hyunjin.

You left Hyunjin with Chan while you went to grab a new set of clothes for him.

- Hyunjin, why didn't you tell us?

- I...I wasn't feeling anything...just carsick. I thought it would get better after...but it only got worse...

- Here.

You said entering the bathroom with a set of hoodie and sweatpants. Chan helped him out of the tub and sat him on the edge of it so you could dress him, and kept holding him the whole time because Hyunjin no longer had the strength to hold his own body.

Lee Know who had gone out to get medications for the sick boy arrived to help.

- Hey, can you walk to the bedroom?

He asked, getting close to Hyunjin and patting his shoulder. The sick boy only nodded a "no", not having the strength to lift his head.

- I'll help you come on.

Lee Know had to carry Hyunjin bridal style to the bedroom because as soon as he helped the boy up, his legs gave up on him, vomiting and the high fever had completely dried out his energy.

Lee Know settled an almost passed-out Hyunjin on the bed and then gathered with you and Chan to discuss what to do.

- Okay, this is way more than carsickness.

- The fever might be related to a stomach bug or something else.

- Should we take him to a hospital? Call the staff?

- No. He's gotten sick similar to this once. 39°C is still a temperature we can deal with. If it gets past that, it'd be safer to take him to the hospital.

- I got some Tylenol and antiemetics and some stomach medication that helps with gastritis symptoms. And sports drinks. He shouldn't take these pills on an empty stomach but I think trying to feed him now will only make him throw up again, so let's try giving him an antiemetic along with the other one so he can take the pill with the sports drink.

- Okay.

- Should we tell the others?

- No. let them rest. We'll tell them tomorrow.

- Okay. Let's try to give him the medication.

Lee Know helped Hyunjin sit upright and held him, while you gave him the medication and Chan held a bucket nearby just in case things didn't work out.

Hyunjin was so weak he barely managed to drink or swallow the pill. After taking it, he dry heaved over the bucket that Chan was quick to hold in front of him, but thankfully he didn't throw up.

- Hey, y/n. Call us if you need anything, okay? We'll have our phones on the whole time.

Chan said as he was leaving your bedroom with Lee Know.

- I will. Goodnight

- Goodnight

And so Hyunjin immediately fell asleep but not before making sure to ask you to be the big spoon, he desperately needed comfort, even if his whole body stung with any touch, he still needed to feel you next to him.

And so you did, you covered him up and yourself and hugged him, and it broke your heart when you felt him shivering through your body.

After a while, he stopped shivering and seemed to be asleep, so you carefully placed your hand on his forehead and noticed he was still hot, but not as hot as before, meaning the medication was working.

He shifted a little and mumbled a few words before falling asleep again.

- Can you scratch my back?

He said really softly, almost whispering.

- Of course.

You whispered and backing a little bit away from him so you could use your arms. And yes, he was still hot and sweaty and you were just hoping he could sleep the whole night and wake up better. But that wasn't going to happen.

About two hours after you settled in bed, Hyunjin started shivering again and tossing and turning. His head was throbbing again and every fiber of his body ached like they'd been lit on fire. The nausea he felt earlier had come back, ten times stronger, he could already feel liquid coming up his chest, his stomach gurgling loudly and cramping.

He just squeezed his eyes and curled up in a ball hugging the blanket tightly, gritting his teeth, swallowing convulsively, trying to control his body because he knew he didn't have the strength to get up and drag his tired body to the bathroom.

He even contemplated for a second but decided not to, knowing he'd probably pass out on the way there.

But his body was determined to get anything else he had inside of him.

As he tried to keep everything in, his stomach cramped and contracted shooting its contents rapidly up his chest and hitting the back of his throat, the only thing he managed to do was drag his torso partially off the bed just in time for a wave of vomit escape his mouth and hit the ground, waking you up startled.

- Hyune? What is it?

You said already sitting up and assessing the situation.

- S-sorry-

Was everything Hyunjin managed to say before spilling more putrid liquid onto the bedroom floor, you sitting on the bed rubbing his back and holding his hair as he lay there miserably. You didn't even bother getting up to get a towel since the mess was already made so you just let him get everything out before doing something.

- Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll clean this up later, just get everything out, okay?

You didn't even need to say that since a wet burp brought up a mix of brown liquid and bile, continue to soil the floor next to the bed.

- Oh my baby...you're really sick.

He spat out thick saliva and managed to breathe for a few seconds, before another wave ripped through his body, causing him to get red with the strain, and after that, there were only unproductive gags.

- Do you think you're done?

- Hmm...

- Just a second.

You said leaving the bed to grab a wet cloth to wipe his mouth.

- Do you feel better? After getting that out?

- No, not really... everything hurts....

You studied his complexion, turned pale, really flushed cheeks, sweaty to the point his hair was damp and stuck to his forehead. You brushed his bangs out of the way to place your palm on his forehead, making him wince at the touch.

- Sorry. Your fever is definitely high again. Let me see

The thermometer was marking an alarmingly high temperature yet again.

- 39.8°C! I'm not gonna try to give you medication again Because you'll probably throw up. But we need to bring it down somehow.

You grabbed one of the towels you used to shower to cover the vomit on the floor and keep it from getting even dirtier.

- I'm gonna get an ice bag downstairs, okay?

You said, motioning to leave but Hyunjin didn't let you. He held you by the wrist and made you sit on the bed again, his hot hand touching your skin.

- Babe, I feel the heat radiating off of you just by your touch...

- I don't want to be alone...

He said almost breaking down.

- Okay, I won't.

You said kissing the top of his head and then grabbed your phone to text Chan to help you.

- Chan, Hyunjin threw up again and his fever spiked. It's 39.8°C.

- Oh my god!

- But I don't think giving him medication now is a good choice...but we need to bring it down somehow.

- What do you need me to do?

- Downstairs, in a cabinet in the kitchen there's an ice bag. Can you get it for me? Also a bowl with some cold water?

- I'll be there in a minute.

Chan quickly gathered the things you asked for and entered the bedroom just in time to catch Hyunjin vomiting again, this time soiling the towel you had put there.

- Here.

- Thank you.

- I'll clean this up, okay? And bring a bucket.

- Thanks, Chan.

Chan grabbed two buckets, one for Hyunjin and the other to clean the mess so you didn't have to.

Once he was done, he helped you clean Hyunjin and try to bring down his fever. He sat behind the sick boy on the bed to support his weight while you used a wet cold cloth to wipe him.

You were done, you helped him dress in another shirt since the one he was using was drenched in sweat.

- Thanks, Chan. For the help.

- No problem. If you need anything else just text me.

- Thanks again.

Hyunjin was basically passed out, he had absolutely no strength left in his body so he slumped back into the bed.

- Babe...can I lay on your lap...?

He said, voice raspy.

- Of course. Come here.

You helped him lay down on your thighs and proceeded to place a wet cold cloth on his forehead, earning a wince from him, but he fell asleep immediately after.

- I hope you'll feel better soon, baby.

You don't know how but you managed to doze off, waking up a few times to check his temperature that kept on oscillating between 38°C and 39°C, thankfully not hitting 40°C but still alarmingly high.

Hyunjin slept through the rest of the night but woke up rather early with a throbbing headache and shivers.

You tried to get up to make him breakfast but he didn't let you, he was really clingy and you couldn't blame him. But the boys helped you by making breakfast for you and something light for Hyunjin and brought it to the bedroom.

Hyunjin's stomach had given him a little break so he could eat breakfast and take a few medications after, such as an antiemetic and some Tylenol for the persistent fever.

You waited a few minutes and he didn't throw up, which was a good sign. When he was feeling a little better from his headache, you suggested he took another bath, and just like the day before, you stayed with him. And you were glad you did because after he changed his clothes he ended up fainting for a brief moment, the boys helping you carry him out of the bathroom.

You decided to stay in the living room with him for a while so he could breathe some fresh air and be with the boys, maybe they could distract him.

You needed to rest a while and take a bath so the boys stayed with Hyunjin, who was settled with a blanket on the couch.

A few of them went outside to play, and the others stayed in the house, keeping Hyunjin company and resting as well.

The sick boy who was lying down, arm covering his eyes, felt a sudden burning sensation in his stomach. "Fuck" was the first thing that came to mind, his body just didn't want to give him a break.

That burning sensation quickly morphed into a strong nausea, filling his mouth with foul-tasting liquid.

He quietly coughed once, when he felt something tickling his throat, but that only brought his stomach's contents even closer to getting out.

Hyunjin hurriedly sits up, hand covering his mouth, but the single motion of doing that is enough to make his stomach contract, a wet muffled burp sending vomit through his fingers, soiling the floor in the middle of his legs.

The sound of something splattering on the ground alerted Lee Know who was in the kitchen and quickly ran to aid his dongsaeng.

- What's wrong? Did you feel nauseous again?

- I'm sorry- I couldn't call-

Hyunjin tried to say but his body had other plans, he moved his soiled hand away from his mouth ducking his head as a stream of vomit gushed out of him, mixing with the mess on the floor.

Lee Know was sitting beside him patting and rubbing his back, trying to provide a bit of comfort as his dongsaeng proceeded to empty his stomach on the floor.

- Just keep going, get everything out. Hyung will clean this up later.

Despite the grossness of the situation, Lee Know didn't seem bothered one bit. Being a father to 3 cats had its perks, he dealt with similar things in his house so he kept his cool.

Once Hyunjin was done puking, or at least when he was only spitting out very thick saliva, Lee Know grabbed a mop, a bucket, and some water.

He gave the bottle to Hyunjin so he could rinse his mouth and try to get rid of the putrid taste and cleaned the mess on the floor, leaving the bucket beside the couch.

- I-i'm sorry, hyung...

- Don't worry about it, okay? It's not your fault.

Lee Know said, patting Hyunjin's shoulder before going to put the soiled cloth to wash.

When he came back Hyunjin was still in the same position, kind of in shock with everything that was happening for the last 12h hours or so.

- What is it?

Lee Know asked, sitting beside him.

- I'm scared, hyung...I'm tired...but I feel like I can throw up any time...I'm afraid of lying down....

- Don't worry, Hyunjin-ah. Hyung is right here, I'll help you whenever you need. Just try to get some sleep.

Lee Know gently wrapped his arms around Hyunjin and lay down the sick boy, noticing his fever was high again and confirming with a thermometer. Since taking medication was a big no at the moment, he got the ice bag, put it under Hyunjin's pillow, and placed an ice pad on his forehead.

And just like he promised, he stayed by his side until the next round of vomiting started but this time Hyunjin didn't want to be sick in front of everyone.

- Hyung...I'm gonna throw up, can you take me to the bathroom?

He said weakly, trying to sit up. Lee Know once again wrapped his arms around Hyunjin helped him up and guided him to the bathroom where the boy proceeded to vomit for a few good minutes.

After that, Lee Know brought him back to the living room and you were done resting so you were going to watch him for the time being.

Needless to say, it was another very tiring day and night for all nine of you, Hyunjin's fever kept spiking up, oscillating all the time, he managed to drink some sports drink only to throw up hours later, sometimes on the floor, bucket, bathroom. All eight of you took turns to take care of him, by helping him shower, eat and rest.

At some point, you all decided it was best to take him to the ER to at least know what was wrong and your guess was right, stomach flu. He spent a few hours on IV fluids to help hydrate him and he also had some intravenous antiemetics to prevent him from throwing up even more.

The next days of the trip consisted of all of you nursing him back to health until he was finally okay to enjoy a little bit before going back.

Having you and the members in his life was truly a blessing.

Oh and needless to say, those of you who spent more time with him while he was sick, you, Chan, and Lee Know were just as miserable in the following weeks but they had each other and you had Hyunjin to take care of you and return the favor.

[wormdevourer]

just four hours left until you can own your very own Sunday!!

let’s ask our penacony friends how they’re feeling about his release!

first, Mr. Aventurine. what are your thoughts on Sunday’s official release??

Aventurine: “What’s this? Sunday’s getting a banner finally? How long has it been since we’ve seen him - like nine months? Jeez…I’m definitely excited, though. As long as he’s changed from his evil self, I’ll invite him along. I’m rich enough to get a guaranteed~”

I agree! I’m excited, and I think he’s really took a turn for the better. I’m proud of Sunday!

now, let’s ask Ms. Robin herself what she thinks.

Robin: “What?! My brother’s coming back?! You mean he won’t be missing anymore-?! I’m so excited to see him, if that’s true! How much longer - four hours?”

yeah, I’m hyped too! I hope you two have a sweet reunion :)

time for our next person, Ms. Black Swan!

Black Swan: “Hm? Sunday? Oh, that’s right…that boy from The Family…isn’t Robin looking for him? Well, that’s certainly exciting. I await his return, to see how their reunion unfolds~”

thanks, Ms. Black Swan! let’s ask Ms. Sparkle next!

Sparkle: “Chicken-wing boy! Chicken-wing boy!Oh, I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he sees what I’ve done to his home!~ It’s so much cuter with all those dolls of me there, isn’t it?~”

oh…alright, then. please take them out…

thanks for tuning in, everyone! more reports will be filing in as we inch closer and closer to Sunday’s release! Sunday fans rejoice!~

[ikkaku-of-heart]

Of Bodice Rippers and Delightful Discoveries

(Ikkaku visits an old, used bookstore while in port, hoping to hunt down some classic bodice rippers to entertain herself with on the next voyage. What she finds is a new subgenre, complete with some unexpected - and likely unsuspecting - stars.)

The scent of the used bookstore was so different from the Polar Tang. Instead of steel and salt, Ikkaku breathed in the earthy, musty smell of paper and ink. She may have been an engineer, thriving among gears and pistons, but she had found a love of more organic materials like books.

In particular, hunting down unique bodice rippers.

“Looking for something in particular, dearie?” the proprietress asked, giving her a curious smile. She didn’t seem to mind that her new customer wore a pirate’s jolly roger on her boiler suit – business was business, and all who loved books were welcome.

“Got any classic bodice rippers?” Ikkaku asked, looking around. “I’m due for a long voyage.”

“Ahhh need something to entertain on lonely nights?” she replied knowingly. “Those happen to be my favorite. The back shelves are dedicated to those. Got a lot of newer publications, but there’s just nothing like the classics.”

Ikkaku nodded enthusiastically in agreement before heading off to peruse the back shelves. She’d read everything in her expansive collection at least twice, and she was in need of something new. Something to titillate her, but also torment her nakama when they dared to tease her. Books starring Fishmen and Zoan lovers had done the job for a while, but the boys were starting to become immune. That was a sure sign it was time to switch it up.

Pulling out books at random, she shook her head in disappointment. Many of the newer books just didn’t have the lovingly painted, elaborate covers that older, classic bodice rippers had. For all people said not to judge a book by its cover, in her mind, that was half the appeal. Getting to read a book with a hunky man in an open shirt embracing a beautiful woman often got her hilariously mortified or judgmental books. Occasionally she found books that starred two women, but those beautiful covers tended to be more understated and romantic, which sadly didn’t get quite the same reaction from her friends.

She had nearly given up, ready to throw in the towel and accept she’d just have to go through her library for a third time, when she struck gold. An old paperback novel peeked out from the stacks, and she could tell right away that the cover was that classic style she so loved. Tugging it out almost reverently, her gaze greedily ate up the image.

The woman was a beautiful, buxom nun, dressed in the classic black gown and habit, clutching a cross as she attempted to resist the charms of the man embracing her. Though, by the look on her face, she was failing spectacularly, eyes shut and head thrown back in pleasure. The man on the cover was what really drew the eye, however. The artist clearly put a little extra effort into him, like he was the main draw of the book. He towered over the woman in his arms, biceps bulging as they wrapped around her petite waist, his purple shirt open to show off a tantalizing glimpse of his hard pecs. His jaw and chin were chiseled and his cheekbones could have cut glass. Long hair as black as engine oil and smoke were pulled back in a sleek ponytail that dangled over his shoulder. His lips were curved in a devilish smirk, a long cigarette dangling tantalizingly between them.

The First Mate's Dangerous Temptation the elegant cursive of the title read. The tagline was just as cheesy; She devoted herself to God, but then a devilish pirate sailed into her life.

“Ok, you’re showing some promise,” Ikkaku chuckled, cracking open the book and flipping through the pages in hopes of finding a decent sex scene. Hopefully it lived up to the cover’s hype. Quickly, she found some smut, and eagerly she began to read.

“God really blessed you in the chest department, doll,” the pirate purred, his pectorals glistening with sweat as he pulled his pretty captive against him. The smell of the sea and tobacco paired beautifully with his masculine musk, and Chastity tried not to be taken in by way his deep voice rumbled like an earthquake, shaking her resolve. He was sin incarnate, and she mustn’t give in to the Devil’s servant.

“I’m blessed by His love every day. Perhaps you’d be similarly blessed if you ceased your sinful ways,” Chastity replied primly.

“I wouldn’t be much of a pirate if I were virtuous. Anyway, sin’s more fun. More pleasurable.” Benn gave a low chuckle before taking a long drag of his cigarette. He held the smoke in his lungs for a moment before exhaling, releasing it like a dragon. It suited him, considering the virgin damsel he held in his clutches. “And I haven’t had any complaints about my chest. I’ve seen you stare plenty.”

She gasped, outraged, though liquid hellfire shot down to the secret place between her thighs. A blush bloomed across her cheeks, and Chastity’s scolding reply died on her lips as the burly first mate released her, only to drop to his knees before her. The cigarette smoldered on the ground beside them, the thin trail of smoke even headier than the church’s incense. She attempted to step back, but a big hand wrapped around her hip, keeping her in place as he hoisted up her skirts, exposing her knickers and pale thighs. “What are you doing? This is improper!”

He chuckled again before he began peppering kisses along the smooth, untouched skin. Tongue and teeth joined his sensual lips, licking, sucking, and biting the tender flesh without a shred of shame or remorse. “Showing you what a man should really be doing on his knees,” he growled, a panther that had concerned his delicious prey and was planning to take its time devouring it. “God can’t make you scream like I can.”

Gasping again, the nun buried her fingers in his jet-black hair as his mouth delved into the apex of her thighs. Her knickers had already been growing wet just from being in his presence, but now they were soaked in anticipation and the saliva from his tongue. It stoked tantalizingly against her pearl, and Chastity felt her knees wobble almost as unsteadily as her resolve to remain pure.

“Ah! Beckman!”

“Wait,” Ikkaku gasped, staring at the name, then flipping back to the front cover. The man on the front was at least a decade younger than the wanted poster she’d seen, but if she replaced the black ponytail with a silver one, added a few years and scars to that chiseled face, and a purple cape…

“Holy shit. What’s Benn Beckman doing on a romance novel cover?!”

This was utterly insane. Of course the first mate of the Red Hair Pirates was hot, both in his youth and now. He was known as a playboy, too, with admirers and lovers across the Grand Line. But the star of a bodice ripper? It wasn’t even trying to hide his identity!

Flipping the paperback over, Ikkaku scanned the back cover, looking for clues. The publication date was fifteen years ago, and it was apparently part of a series. An extensive one, from the look of things.

Pirate romance novels. Ikkaku shouldn’t have been surprised they existed. Outlaws like them weren’t exactly protected by copyright laws or could make cases against libel. And people did so love their forbidden fruit, but not everyone had the guts to actually proposition a pirate. So no wonder someone decided to make a buck off of the fantasy. The real question was, did Benn Beckman know?

Curiosity piqued, Ikkaku glanced along the shelves and quickly found another book by the same author. Once again the cover was lovingly and beautifully painted. The woman was once again beautiful, though this time her generous cleavage was on full display thanks to a low-cut blouse and cinched corset. She was being embraced by yet another muscular man. He was shirtless and his trousers hung loose, threatening to slip down his hips to expose himself. The cocky smirk and come hither expression made it clear he had nothing but impure intentions with the woman he was holding. One arm was beneath her thighs and backside, hoisting her up into the air, while the other held the ropes dangling from the sails of his ship. For a moment, the two arms threw her off, but it was soon clear by the blood red hair and three familiar scars over his left eye that this was, indeed, Red Haired Shanks.

The title was once again in fancy cursive but this time didn’t bother to hide the star’s identity. Ravished by the Red Haired Captain – She yearned for adventure on the high seas. What she got was unfathomable pleasure in the captain’s quarters.

“Damn,” Ikkaku muttered, once again seeking out a sex scene. She absolutely needed to know what the deal was with these books. “This must’ve been early in his career, but he was already building a fanbase. And probably didn’t get a single berri in royalties. Poor bastard.”

Cassandra gasped as she was bent over the bar counter, heaving chest pressed across the cool, polished wood decadently. Shanks’ left had splayed across her back, keeping her in place as he pressed his throbbing member against her pert bottom.

“That’s a good lass,” he murmured, rolling his hips so she could get the full understanding of just what her lovely curves did to him. He may have been a mighty pirate captain, but he was only a man, after all. And there was only so much a man like him could take. “You’ve been temptin’ me all day, serving drinks while shaking that ass and fluttering your lashes at all the customers. But now you’re gonna get a reminder that you’re my pretty wench.”

“I wasn’t—Ah!—tying to tempt you,” she insisted, though the mewl of pleasure at the feeling of his thick mast prodding at her most secret cavern through her skirts made that difficult to believe. The truth was, she hadn’t consciously been trying to tease him, but it was hard not to sway her hips a little more when she felt his eyes on them. Nor could she avoid lowering her neckline a bit more to relieve herself of some of the heat his presence sparked inside her.

Another gasp escaped Cassandra’s plump lips as she felt Shanks pull up her skirts to expose her wet and waiting netherlips, the cool air kissing them gently. “No knickers? Now you can’t tell me you didn’t plan this.”

“I just forgot to put them on this morning—”

Her excuse was interrupted by a firm smack to her buttock, the sting a delicious pain even as the tavern maid yelped in surprise and outrage.

“You’re lying to me. If you really want to come aboard my ship and sail with me, you’re going to have to learn to be honest with your captain,” Shanks growled sensually, trailing his fingers across the bright red welt his big, rough hand left behind. “Now let’s try again. Why aren’t you wearing knickers, Miss Cassandra?”

He squeezed the soft meat of her shapely rear end, fingers dancing dangerously close to her oh-so-wet entrance, and Cassandra knew she was done for. How could she resist the sexual magnetism of such a charming pirate?

“Because I wanted you to be able to fuck me whenever you pleased, Captain Shanks!” she cried, and was swiftly rewarded by the feeling of his thick rod plunging into her without hesitation.

“Wooooow,” Ikkaku mumbled to herself, snickering slightly at the writing, though she could admit that the scene was still fairly hot due to Red-Haired Shanks being the star. “Gods, I wonder if he knows this exists. What would he think of this? Would he and Beckman compare books?”

Another thought came to her, and once more she began looking through the books. Who else has been featured in these?

She got her answer, a surprised and delighted laugh bubbling up in her throat upon finding the next book in the series. This time, the heroine was clearly a Marine, her white uniform tastefully disheveled from a struggle as she was pinned against the wall by her opponent’s hips, though the way her long leg was wrapped around the man’s waist, it was clear this was a fight that was meant to shift into something more pleasurable. Of course, the man in question was unmistakable, even without his trademark long coat. After all, his pointed sideburns and goatee, along with those golden, piercing eyes, were nearly as iconic as the wide brimmed feathered hat on his head. Yoru was strapped to his shirtless back with a leather harness that was probably rather impractical, even if it did accent his back muscles nicely. But what was most striking was the sensual grin on his lips, curled in both arousal and amusement.

Prey of the Hawk-Eyed Hunter – Her mission was to apprehend him, but he takes her heart prisoner instead.

“He’s smiling? Well now I know this is a fantasy,” Ikkaku quipped, recalling the few times she’d seen him at the Warlord meetings. The man was grim and antisocial at best, and the few times she’d heard him speak, his comments had been bored and biting. Honestly, Ikkaku felt those made the otherwise irritating and dull meetings more entertaining.

For the third time Ikkaku cracked open a bodice ripper, eyes glittering with mischievous delight as she greedily took in the pages.

“You keep trying to fly away from me, little dove,” a deep, accented voice purred from the doorway. Calliope froze, the incriminatingly wide-open window to her bedroom making it undeniable that she had once again attempted to escape his fortress hideaway. “And dressed so indecently, too. Didn’t your superiors teach you about proper dress protocol?”

The Marine captain spun around, defiant even as she trembled a bit under his stare. Heavens above, those yellow eyes were always so intense. It didn’t matter if he was talking to her, fighting her, or staring at her in silence, they made him appear like he wished to devour her.

Calliope’s tongue darted out to wet her lips nervously, and that gaze flicked down to watch the movement. Heat shot between her legs while her nipples hardened against the thin blouse that was her only barrier between her skin and the cold air.

Golden eyes swept down her shapely figure, down to her chest, her slim torso, her bare thighs, her long legs, and then traveled back up again to meet her gaze, lingering on the comely flush that colored her cheeks. A devious smirk curled his lips as he stalked towards her. “Perhaps I should chain you to the bed, as your cage is proving insufficient.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Calliope insisted, attempting to strike him, to make an attack against the infamous Marine Hunter she had been tasked with arresting, but he deftly caught her wrist with speed only an expert swordsman could manage. He snatched her other wrist before it could even think to lash out before flinging them both onto the bed, pinning the smaller woman’s hips beneath his muscular thighs. He adjusted his grip to lock both of her narrow wrists in one palm, freeing up his right hand while keeping her trapped beneath him, helpless.

“You are my prisoner. My prize. I’ll do as I please with you.” As if to prove his point, he trailed his long, calloused fingers down the soft, delicate skin of her throat, down her collarbone, over her thundering heart, before cupping a full breast. Calliope released a shuddering breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding at his bold touch. Why did this murderer’s touch inspire such feelings of desire in her?

She attempted to buck him off of her, but he wouldn’t budge. In fact, he let out a husky moan in response. Surprised, she looked down between their bodies to find the telltale bulge of his manhood straining against his leather trousers. “Is…is that a sword in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?” she quipped, attempting to hide her mortification and, worse, arousal.

Alas, Mihawk could detect her desire like a shark smells blood in the water and was not fooled. Instead, he laughed before capturing her lips in a fierce, dominating kiss. Calliope attempted to struggle, to resist, but his sensual tongue and teasing teeth coaxed her lips to part for him. His tongue delved between them, conquering her hot, moist cavern, giving no quarter and showing no mercy, leaving her gasping and flushed when he finally pulled away so she could breathe.

“Oh, I’ll be very happy to see you writhing and moaning beneath me as I make you a sheath for my most powerful sword,” he purred, nipping at her throat as he rolled his hips against her, swollen member growing harder at the friction the motion caused.

“Tonight, I’m claiming you completely, my dove. No more escape attempts – I doubt you’ll be able to walk after I’m through with you. And even then, I might just keep you impaled on my cock for good measure.”

“Ha! I don’t remember Mihawk being even half that talkative at Warlord meetings,” Ikkaku snickered, though there was a faint dusting of a blush on her cheeks.

Damn it. These books were over-the-top and flowery, but they were raunchy enough that she could completely understand the appeal and wanted to read more. Besides, weren’t over-the-top, ridiculous bodice rippers what she came in here for in the first place? Her fellow Hearts would be utterly mortified if she started reading aloud sex scenes starring a Yonko, his first mate, or the World’s Greatest Swordsman.

Plus, she needed to prove these existed. There was no way any of the guys would believe her on just her word. It was too crazy! So it was important that she buy all three books so she could prove they existed. And what if she ever ran into the stars themselves? Didn’t they deserve to know they had starred in fictional sexual encounters and weren���t paid a dime for it? Informing them was the moral thing to do in that case. She may have been a pirate, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t do a good deed.

Yes. That was totally why she was buying them and not because, despite herself, they were rather titillating. She would simply be reading them for blackmail and tormenting purposes. Not because any of the three men were quite the hotties in their prime.

Or in present day, but she certainly wouldn’t admit that aloud.

“Find what you were looking for, young lady?” the shopkeeper asked as she rang up Ikkaku’s purchase. She smiled down at the books, clearly pleased with her choice. “Like I said, nothing beats the classics.”

“You’re not wrong,” Ikkaku chuckled, giving her a curious smile. “These, ah, seem to be part of a series. You don’t happen to know if there are any starring women? Like, a female protagonist and a sexy lady pirate as the lovers?” She tried not to get her hopes up, but today had been full of surprises. Perhaps her bisexual prayers would be answered.

The shopkeeper gave a knowing smile. “Come back tomorrow. I know for a fact that I have a copy of  Seduced by the Ice Witch somewhere around here. Whitey Bay does quite a good job making the heroine swoon and tremble. Not that I can blame her in the least.”

The engineer’s smile could have illuminated the darkest ocean as she nodded enthusiastically. “I’ll take it, along with any others you might dig up!” she exclaimed as she handed over her berri, already eager to start her newest book series and method of messing with her dear nakama.

Though, she had already decided that Seduced by the Ice Witch would be kept to herself.

[littlehypnone]

HYPE!!!

Requesting for Small Mountain and Small Dew coloring and having a good time listening to nice music with CG Cumulus and CG Swiss? Whenever you get the chance! Thank you!!

-🐊

there you go, love, I hope you like it! I kinda forgot about the music part but shhhh...

750 words, no CWs, just two happy boys &lt;3

“Woah! What’s going on here?” Cumulus laughed, taking in the scene before her as she walked into the common room. The scene being Mountain leaning over a table with a crayon clutched tightly in his fist as he drew something, his tongue poking out in concentration; Dewdrop giggling at his own piece of paper holding a few wax crayons at once; and Swiss sitting next to the latter with his toothy grin plastered on his face. There was some soft music playing in the background, but the two small ghouls seemed to be too invested in their arts and crafts to care about it.

Dewdrop clapped excitedly when he saw Cumulus and Mountain waved at her shyly. They both didn’t have many words, if any, when small, but they seemed very happy. Swiss greeted her, though, “Hi, Lulu.”

“Hello, dear,” she chuckled, looking over the table. “Oh, what messy little boys we have here!”

Mountain blushed, coming back to his work, and Dew only giggled some more. The earth ghoul was doing a great job, currently working on a tree. Dewdrop was… well, he was a different story entirely, probably too little to even try to draw something specific. His piece of paper was just rubbed with crayons all over, with no regards to… anything, really, but he was having a great time, and that’s what mattered.

“Messy, yeah,” Swiss admitted, “but look what beautiful things they’re making, aren’t they?”

“Oh, yes, absolutely! My cute little artists.” Cumulus took a seat in a chair next to Mountain and rested her chin on her balled up fist, looking over at his paper in awe. He seemed to be finishing up and indeed, soon he sighed and turned to the ghoulette. “Are you done, fawn?”

He nodded with a big smile, and pushed the drawing in her direction.

“That’s so beautiful, Mounty!” There were a few trees, rocks and clouds, and Mountain seemed to be very proud of himself. Cumulus was too and she said as much, making the ghoul blush once again.

He remembered something suddenly, though, and all but jumped up with a gasp, pointing to a cloud on his drawing. “Lussy,” he slurred.

Cumulus felt her chest go all warm, “Awww, baby! That’s so cute, thank you so much!”

“Can I see too?” Swiss chimed in, leaning over Dewdrop to take a look. “Woah, pebble, you did such a great job!”

All that attention, even if filling Mountain with a nice feeling, was just too close to being too much for him. The ghoul shied away, curling up on himself just a little bit, but the smile never left his lips. Noticing, Cumulus placed a soft hand on his shoulder and soothingly rubbed gentle circles with her thumb.

She was about to say something when Dewdrop deemed his art ready too and decided to announce it by loudly blowing a raspberry and giggling.

“Oh, you little gremlin!” Swiss laughed, ruffling Dew’s hair. The little ghoul tried to growl but what came out was more or a mrrp sound, and it was not even a tiny bit threatening. “Hmmm, and what did you draw?”

Cumulus and Mountain looked over too, all three now staring at the paper, trying so very hard to come up with what it could’ve been. It was taking a moment and Dewdrop was starting to get a bit cranky, not getting any praise.

Soon enough, though, Mountain gasped and turned the paper a bit, apparently confirming his hypothesis.

“What do you think it is, pebble?” Swiss asked and now that Mountain was expected to answer, he got a bit shy.

“It’s okay, fawn, you don’t have to speak,” Cumulus reassured him but the earth ghoul shook his head and looked over at Dew, still waiting for well deserved recognition.

“I fink…” Mountain started, “fink i’ssa gwuitar.”

The resulting cheer and clapping from Dewdrop told them Mountain was right, making him smile too, proud of his guess. Now that Cumulus and Swiss looked at it, it made sense, the blob of colors was, roughly, in the shape of a guitar.

“Such an artist, aren’t you, baby?” Swiss turned to Dew.

“That’s a really beautiful guitar,” Cumulus praised, and the fire ghoul seemed to only get happier and prouder. “Now, do you boys wanna go show Rainy what you made?”

Mountain nodded eagerly, Dew clapped some more, and with as clear of an answer as they could have gotten, Swiss and Cumulus took them to go get some more applause.